Legal Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Legal Assistant — David A. LaRue, Attorney at Law

Steubenville, Ohio · Part-time, with potential for full-time employment · $20–$22 per hour

About The Job

David A. LaRue, Attorney at Law, is seeking an experienced, professional, and dependable Legal Assistant to support a client-focused law practice specializing in elder law and estate planning. Serving clients throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, the practice helps individuals and families plan for the future, protect their assets, navigate long-term care decisions, and address important legal matters with confidence.

This position is ideal for an organized, detail-oriented professional with experience in legal services or office administration who takes pride in accuracy, sound judgment, and exceptional client service. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, managing competing priorities, and anticipating needs in a busy office where the attorney is frequently in meetings and working directly with clients.

The position will begin on a part-time basis, with the opportunity to transition to full-time employment following an initial probationary period of approximately six months. We are looking for someone interested in becoming a trusted, long-term member of the team who can take ownership of responsibilities, solve problems proactively, and help ensure the office operates efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal and administrative support: Prepare, format, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, client forms, and other materials related to estate planning, probate, and elder law matters.
• Client communication and service: Serve as a professional and welcoming point of contact for clients, answer routine administrative questions, coordinate communications, and help clients feel comfortable throughout the legal process.
• Document and file management: Create and maintain accurate, organized electronic and physical client files; gather and organize client information and supporting documentation for attorney review.
• Scheduling and coordination: Manage calendars, schedule appointments, coordinate meetings, monitor deadlines, and ensure the attorney has the necessary documents and information available for upcoming meetings.
• Independent problem-solving: Work proactively to identify and resolve routine administrative issues, prioritize competing demands, and keep matters moving forward with minimal supervision.
• Estate planning and probate support: Assist with the administrative processes involved in wills, trusts, probate, Medicaid planning, and other elder law and estate planning matters.
• Office operations: Manage correspondence, email, document preparation, data entry, filing, and other day-to-day administrative responsibilities necessary to maintain an efficient office.
• Judgment and confidentiality: Exercise discretion when handling sensitive client information and recognize when a question or issue requires the attorney’s attention. The Legal Assistant will not provide legal advice or make legal determinations.
• Team collaboration: Work effectively with the attorney and existing legal support staff, communicate progress on assignments, and contribute to a professional and cooperative work environment.

Preferred Background And Qualifications

• Professional experience: At least four years of experience in office administration, office management, legal services, or a related professional environment. Experience supporting an attorney or working with confidential legal matters is strongly preferred.
• Relevant legal knowledge: Familiarity with estate planning, probate, trusts, and elder law practices. Experience with Medicaid planning is a significant plus.
• Education: An associate degree or higher is preferred. Candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and substantial relevant professional or life experience will also be considered.
• Technology proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, Google Calendar, and Gmail. The ability to prepare, edit, organize, and manage documents electronically is essential.
• Organization and attention to detail: Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records, proofread documents, manage deadlines, and handle multiple responsibilities without sacrificing quality.
• Independent judgment: Ability to work with initiative, prioritize tasks, troubleshoot routine problems, and complete assignments independently while recognizing when guidance or attorney review is needed.
• Communication and client service: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, a professional demeanor, and the ability to interact patiently and respectfully with clients who may be navigating sensitive family, financial, or long-term care matters.
• Reliability and professionalism: Consistently punctual, dependable, discreet, and accountable, with a strong commitment to following through on responsibilities.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a small professional office where priorities may change throughout the day and flexibility, resourcefulness, and common sense are valued.

Compensation And Employment Details

• Starting compensation: $20–$22 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Employment type: Part-time initially, with the potential to transition to full-time after an approximately six-month probationary period, based on performance and mutual agreement.
• Location: On-site in Steubenville, Ohio.
• Anticipated schedule: Monday through Friday, with office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The schedule during the initial part-time period will be discussed with the selected candidate.
• Full-time benefits: Upon transitioning to full-time employment, eligible benefits include paid vacation, paid holidays, paid sick leave, and health insurance reimbursement.