Legal Assistant

National law firm Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a proactive, highly organized, and tech-forward administrative support professional to join our Wilmington, North Carolina office. This is an exciting and highly visible role supporting the North Carolina Managing Partner and firm’s National Strategic Growth Partner, whose practice focuses on General Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Corporate Governance, Litigation (General), and related areas. The Legal Assistant will provide largely onsite (in-office) administrative and legal support to the Partner and his team, combining traditional executive-level coordination with substantive legal practice support including filings, matter intake, client communications, billing oversight, and document management. The ideal candidate brings strong communication skills, robust computer and technical skills, AI proficiency, law practice experience, a strong attention to detail, and an organized, proactive, and problem-solving mindset to a dynamic, client-facing role. What You’ll Be Doing Manage an active calendar of appointments, schedule meetings, video calls and travel plans on behalf of attorneys, ensuring optimal performance of the schedule Through excellent verbal and written communication, keep attorneys well informed and up to date on upcoming commitments and responsibilities Draft, review, and manage client-facing emails and professional communication, ensuring all external correspondence reflects a polished, professional tone Function as a client concierge responding to inquiries from clients, referral sources, and attorneys in a timely and professional manner, and assisting with client touchpoints and follow up Take business development notes on client calls Process new client/matter documentation including initiation of conflict checks, input information into Firm's new business intake system and prepare engagement letters to clients Leverage AI tools and emerging technologies to streamline administrative workflows, enhance productivity, and improve the quality and efficiency of work product Compose and prepare confidential correspondence Draft, transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, billings and reports Maintain and organize both hard-copy and electronic files Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into Firm’s expense management software Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers and assist with reviewing prebills Communicate with clients as to billing issues and status of matters Update and maintain reports and trackers using Excel and/or Smartsheet Docket, track and create reports with litigation software, Court Alert E-file in North Carolina Courts and NC Secretary of State Track and file continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff Provide assistance in civic, charitable, community, and professional activities Provide backup coverage for the front desk as needed Job Requirements 5+ years of experience working in a legal environment, preferably in the corporate transactional and litigation practice areas Preference given to those with experience with electronic filings or working knowledge of litigation process Ability and willingness to work in the office four to five days per week Exceptional communication skills via phone, email, and in-person, with the ability to represent attorneys and the firm effectively Ability to prioritize competing deadlines Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team across various practice groups Growth mindset Strong organizational and process skills, focused attention on detail, and ability to spot inaccuracies and inconsistencies in documents Valid authorization to work in the U.S. Demonstrated proficiency with AI-powered tools and platforms (e.g., Microsoft Copilot). Comfort adopting and integrating new AI technologies into daily workflows is essential and non-negotiable for this role. Proven technological savviness and willingness to learn new applications and software. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel. Experience in the following software a plus: iManage or similar electronic document management system CourtAlert DocuSign or similar e-signature program iTimekeep or similar electronic time management system Emburse or similar expense report and reimbursement software Electronic billing software Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices - including AI and emerging technologies - as the position and Firm evolves Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and varying deadlines Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team Ability to multi-task, set priorities, manage time effectively and exhibit excellent judgment, proactivity, and follow-up Team player mentality, with a desire to be a part of a collaborative, high-performing group Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm Willingness and ability to work proactively in our Team Environment, across various groups and/or locations Communication Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a strong ability to draft polished, professional correspondence for external audiences Problem Solving Skills Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems Professionalism Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion Exceptional attention to detail The Company This is an opportunity to work with the Best . We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP . We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world. We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen. The Location We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln); and Washington DC . Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration; supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients. This position will be based in our Wilmington office. Why You Should Apply At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package. Learning and Growth Challenging and Dynamic Role Professional Growth Opportunities Performance Management and Coaching Specialized Training Programs Medical Vision Care Health Savings Accounts Flexible Spending Accounts Wellness Program Employee and Family Assistance Program Total Compensation Competitive Base Pay Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay Planning for the Future 401(k) with Company Contribution Short Term Disability Plan Long Term Disability Plan Life Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Parental/Family Leave Culture and Workplace Respected organization with Collaborative Culture Growing Firm with an Exciting Future Contemporary Work Environment Positive and Respectful Work Climate Performance Recognition Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Michael Best Strategies LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. #J-18808-Ljbffr Michael Best & Friedrich LLP