Temp EA

Overview Orrick currently has an excellent opportunity for a Practice Innovation Assistant . This position could be based in our San Francisco office.

The PIA provides high‑impact administrative, operational, and legal practice support to assigned attorneys while also driving innovation at the firm. This role is designed for professionals who are passionate about technology, eager to develop expertise in legal operations, and committed to supporting high‑performing legal and operations teams. The PIA acts as a digital fluency coach, learning, mastering, and training peers and attorneys on firm tools and platforms, including emerging technologies such as AI and automation. They proactively manage workflows, coordinate projects, and ensure seamless execution of administrative tasks while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and discretion. This role goes beyond task execution to include decision support, prioritization, and end‑to‑end ownership of administrative and operational outcomes for assigned attorneys. Proactively coordinate administrative details for assigned attorneys, anticipating needs, flagging risks, and independently resolving issues before escalation, ensuring smooth workflow between clients, timekeepers, and staff.

Engage regularly with the firm’s Team Support Center, picking up requests proactively or as assigned by Workflow Coordinators, while determining when matters require direct ownership versus delegation.

Communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and with clients, demonstrating high emotional intelligence and relationship‑building skills.

Proactively manage calendars, coordinate meetings and events (internal and client‑facing), arrange travel, and oversee logistics for assigned attorneys, with a focus on prioritization, sequencing, and protecting attorney time.

Provide on‑site office coverage as needed, demonstrating flexibility and professionalism.

Digital Fluency & Technology Coaching

Serve as a digital fluency expert and coach for attorneys and peers, mastering firm technology and training others on effective use—including Microsoft 365, Copilot, PowerAutomate, PowerBI, and emerging AI/automation platforms.

Troubleshoot technology issues and collaborate with IT, Orrick Labs, Digital Tech & Data, and support teams to resolve problems and enhance workflows.

Regularly attend and seek out training materials and resources to learn new technologies, as well as stay up to date on industry legal technology trends relevant to the assigned attorneys’ practices.

Legal Practice Support

Handle engagement setup, document preparation, correspondence, presentations, and client‑facing materials to exacting standards.

Intake attorney requests, assess urgency, complexity, and downstream impact, evaluate where technology or process improvements can be applied, and delegate or handle tasks as appropriate.

Prioritize and help attorneys meet important deadlines and deliverables, acting as a gatekeeper and thought partner around competing demands.

Collaborate with document processing and court services teams as needed.

Perform document edits, prepare redlines/comparisons, and create/edit worksheets and reports.

Serve as a stabilizing operational presence for attorneys during high‑pressure matters, transactions, or trial periods.

Perform other administrative support duties as assigned by attorneys or Team Support Leadership.

Billing & Financial Coordination

Execute, manage, and oversee end‑to‑end client billing processes for assigned attorneys, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.

Coordinate and follow up with internal teams and external vendors to keep billing and expense processes on track.

Prepare reports and track spend, flagging trends, risks, or anomalies and proactively escalating issues.

Assist attorneys with follow‑up on invoices and billing matters, helping ensure a positive client experience.

Project Management & Process Improvement

Participate in firm initiatives and special projects, contributing to process improvements, innovation, and the adoption of new technologies.

Share insights and best practices in team meetings, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and digital fluency.

Participate in training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge, and actively seek opportunities for professional growth.

Coordinate and track ongoing workstreams and projects, ensuring deliverables and deadlines are met.

Identify and implement process improvements, leveraging technology and best practices to drive operational excellence.

Independently own projects from intake through execution, communicating status, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders.

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience).

Exceptional organizational and project management skills; Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365; able to produce concise, high‑quality deliverables.

Independently manage workload, meet deadlines, and exercise sound judgment in prioritizing urgent vs. non‑urgent matters.

Ability to work in the office at least three days a week, and the ability to work overtime when required.

2+ years experience serving as mentor or trainer to others.

Operations management, business operations, or executive office support experience.

Experience with GenAI (ChatGPT, Copilot), Power BI, or other automation/data analytics platforms.

Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret and use data to inform decisions.

Track record of full project ownership with exceptional follow‑through and attention to detail.

Ability to serve as a resource for colleagues by developing mastery in specific applications or systems.

We are recognized globally for delivering the highest‑quality legal advice and for our culture of innovation and collaboration.

Other compensation may include an annual discretionary merit bonus, determined by the firm and individual performance.

We offer a full range of elective health benefits, including medical, dental, vision and life; child, family, elder, and pet care benefits; short‑ and long‑term disability and industry‑leading parental leave benefits, health savings account contributions (w/ applicable medical plan), flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan. This role will receive compensated time off through our Paid Time Off program and paid holidays.