Legal Practice Assistant (Litigation)

The New York office of a top international law firm is looking for a Legal Practice Assistant. As a member of a secretarial team, the legal Practice Assistant handles all levels of support to attorneys and paralegals, providing a high level of client service including but not limited to, document processing and editing, managing travel arrangements, processing new business intake, preparing and submitting attorney expenses, entering attorney time, handling client billing, responding to client inquiries via phone and email, arranging meetings and conferences, coordinating calendars, monitoring mail and e-mails, maintaining and updating client files and other tasks as assigned. The working hours of this position will be 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

As a Legal Practice Assistant, your duties will include but not be limited to:

• Prepare, revise, format, and finalize a wide variety of legal documents
• Assist attorneys with high volume of new client and matter intake applications, conflicts checks, waiver letters and auditor response letters
• Accurately enter attorney time into timekeeping system to meet daily deadlines
• Establish and maintain paper and electronic client and administrative files in compliance with current Firm policies including email filing within iManage system
• Interact on a daily basis with the secretarial team and departments within the Firm to facilitate highest possible legal support
• Prepare and submit expense reports
• Work closely with Accounting Department staff to prepare and manage high volume of monthly client billings and receivables to meet client billing format and reporting requirements
• Handle and manage travel arrangements to ensure all aspects of travel are made accurately and communicated effectively
• Manage travel itineraries with assistance from the Firm’s travel agency
• Arrange client and group meetings with calendar appointments and other hospitality arrangements
• Answer, screen and place phone calls to clients and other business associates and respond to client inquiries
• Open, review and route mail as directed
• Provide assistance to other Legal Practice Assistants within Firm whenever necessary to meet Firm and client needs
• Other duties as assigned

Skills & Competencies:

• Knowledge in formatting briefs, pleadings and other litigation documents
• Knowledge of e-filings and New York and Federal Court procedures
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with others
• Ability to read, interpret and follow instructions
• Ability to work core business hours with flexibility for overtime, as required
• Personable, professional, detailed-oriented and a problem solver
• Able to prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Strong organizational skills combined with the ability to work independently on several projects at one time

Qualifications & Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum of four (4) years of legal practice assistant experience in a law firm environment working with multiple attorneys required
• Knowledge of and experience working in Securities Litigation and Enforcement preferred
• Knowledge of basics Bankruptcy Litigation preferred
• Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in the following software:

• Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe
• Document Management (iManage) experience a plus

They believe in recognizing and rewarding their employees' contributions. Their comprehensive Total Rewards Package includes:

• Competitive Salary: They offer a competitive base salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• Bonus Program: Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Retirement Planning: Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching to help you plan for your future.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm-paid Life and Disability benefits, and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs.
• Employee Recognition: Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work model and family-friendly policies.
• Additional Perks: Employee discount program, pre-tax commuter benefits, back up child & elder care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts and more.