Legal Assistant - Litigation

Description

Phelps Dunbar LLP is an AmLaw 200 full-service law firm. Phelps Dunbar LLP is offering an opportunity for a Legal Assistant supporting a group of attorneys within the Litigation practice group in Tampa through the performance of complex secretarial, administrative, and substantive legal duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leverage technology resources to ensure the group of attorneys is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.
• Identify most efficient and effective manner to complete tasks.
• Prepare documents by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, printing, and transmitting text, data and graphics using office software applications.
• Knowledge of the legal processes that facilitate the accurate preparation of client documents and responding to filing or closing deadlines.
• Prepare and coordinate e-filings, as well as filings in state and federal courts if needed.
• Handle incoming and outgoing mail, faxes and scan documents.
• Ensure that documents are saved and filed into the appropriate workspaces/folders in IManage and paper file.
• Maintain the daily calendar of each attorney including, but not limited to, scheduling appointments, meetings and travel arrangements.
• Maintain Outlook contacts for each attorney as appropriate.
• Open files, close files and assist with conflicts checks.
• Provide support to the attorneys with timesheets and regular billing matters.
• Request reimbursement for attorneys through Emburse and for client costs through Accounts Payable.
• Maintain a good working rapport with clients which requires discretion and judgment.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

Requirements

Education and Experience Required:

• A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required. An associate degree, certificate or related education is preferred. Significant prior experience may be substituted for a combination of the educational requirements.
• Three + year's litigation secretarial experience in a law firm environment is preferred.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Knowledge of construction and commercial litigation a plus.
• Strong knowledge of and ability to apply office software applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and PDF.
• Working knowledge of legal practices, terminology, documents and court procedures.
• Working knowledge of the firm's support tools.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively in a business environment.
• Flexible, solutions-oriented approach and the ability to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities from multiple sources.
• Excellent typing, spelling, grammar, proofreading, transcription and general clerical skills.
• Ability to coordinate work activities; prepare legal correspondence and documents; transcribe dictation; organize and maintain files and records.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including personal computer, copier, multi-function printers, facsimile, and telephone.

Performance Measures:

The Legal Assistant will be evaluated by the attorneys in the work group and the Office Manager based upon, but not limited, to the following performance criteria:

• Ability to perform responsibilities as outlined above, both in terms of the quality and quantity of work.
• Expertise with available software and technology tools, understanding of secretarial and office procedures; equipment; legal terminology; attention to detail.
• Dependability and cooperation with attorneys, clients and other support staff.
• Adherence to office policies and procedures.
• Professionalism and ability to communicate effectively and handle multiple priorities.