Legal Executive Assistant

Summary The Legal Executive Assistant (LEA) supports lawyers by managing the daily functions of an attorney’s practice, enabling the attorney to focus on developing and sustaining their practice. The LEA serves as an executive-level assistant, creating connections, delivering critical information, ensuring meetings and materials are accurate, and acting as a trusted business partner to help deliver against the priorities of the practice and clients. The role requires administrative competence and a thorough understanding of the procedures, business context, terminology, and documents encountered in an attorney’s practice. Location San Francisco or Palo Alto office with a hybrid work schedule. Responsibilities Provides support and management of the attorney’s projects ensuring deadlines are met and tasks are completed efficiently. Consults with lawyers and administrative teams to ensure project milestones are adhered to. Serves as a liaison between attorneys, clients, and internal departments, handling inquiries and relaying messages accurately. Utilizes independent judgment to make sound decisions when responding on behalf of the attorney. Develops and maintains professional relationships to ensure teams work together efficiently. Provides clear direction and constructive feedback on projects and assignments. Builds trust, resolves conflicts, and collaborates effectively with people at all levels of the organization. Delegates assignments to LSAs (Legal Support Assistants) and AskLegalSupport, ensuring timely and accurate completion. Monitors progress of assignments and communicates on behalf of the attorney to support teams for successful outcomes. Delivers service feedback and makes improvement recommendations to firm management teams. Collaborates with other LEAs or LAAs on complex projects or to provide additional administrative support for attorneys. Provides mentorship and support to LSAs assisting with projects. Provides feedback for the professional development of LSAs. Delivers ongoing feedback and mentoring opportunities for continued improvement. Drafts, proofreads, and finalizes legal documents, correspondence, and presentations on behalf of the attorney. Reviews and ensures accuracy of final work products. Provides feedback to internal support teams on completed work to improve outcomes for accurate and timely delivery. Oversees the maintenance and organization of electronic and paper filing systems within the firm’s DMS/repositories, ensuring accessibility and currency. Conducts research and compiles information for case preparation and executive briefings. Consults with internal support teams to ensure completion of presentations and other necessary materials. Oversees meeting planning and coordinates with internal and external parties to secure logistical details. Prepares meeting agendas and ensures presentations and materials are accurately prepared and available. Manages the attorney’s calendar, schedules meetings, resolves conflicts, and organizes complex travel itineraries. Communicates potential conflicting priorities to the attorney and offers solutions. Ensures the attorney’s expenses and time entry are properly processed by AskLegalSupport. Oversees billing matters, processes prebills, addresses billing questions, and ensures final bills are delivered timely. Provides feedback and improvement recommendations to the firm’s management teams. Ensures the attorney’s and meeting attendees’ requests are managed in a timely and accurate manner. Delivers ongoing mentoring and development opportunities for LSAs and the attorney’s team. Provides clear direction and constructive feedback to support teams on projects and assignments. Monitors assignment progress and communicates results to the attorney and support teams. Delivers service feedback and recommends improvements to firm management. Desired Skills Effective communication in the native language of the region via email or voice. Initiative to enhance existing skills and learn additional ones. Adaptability, discretion, and commitment to continual development. Highest level of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information. In-depth knowledge of processes, procedures, and document types to provide top-level administrative and legal support. Ability to offer solutions and assist with challenges. Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with lawyers, clients, business professionals and firm support teams. Clear and concise communication of complex information in writing and verbally. Active listening to understand others’ needs and concerns. Process-driven professional with excellent time management and prioritization in a fast‑paced setting. Strong attention to detail and proactive planning. Ability to work well under pressure, staying positive and productive. Capability to operate effectively in a demanding environment. Proficiency with technology and firm software, including research tools, case management, accounting software, and standard production applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel). Adaptability to application upgrades and AI‑Powered tools for document production, review, and research. Proficiency in virtual collaboration tools such as Zoom and Teams. Minimum Education High School Diploma or GED. Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in legal studies, business administration, or a related field. Minimum Years of Experience 5 years of experience in an administrative role within a corporate or legal environment providing support to upper‑level leadership. Essential Job Expectations Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties; produce deliverables and respond to correspondence efficiently; provide timely, accurate, and quality work; meet deadlines; foster positive relationships; comply with firm policies and practices; conduct physical and sedentary activities such as extensive computer use and participate in digital/virtual conference calls; work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment; perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned; embrace and uphold firm values. Physical Demands Predominantly sedentary with occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds; requires extended periods of sitting, reading and typing. Work Environment Hybrid arrangement comprising remote and in‑office work; requirements may be modified in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor. Equal Opportunity Statement DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. #J-18808-Ljbffr DLA Piper LLP (US)