Legal Practice Assistant

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Proactively maintain overview of timekeepers’ workload and caseload; anticipate next steps and implement follow-up procedures to ensure each task is appropriately tracked and carried through to completion.
• Create, edit, revise, redline, and/or proofread documents from, handwritten, typed, and/or electronic copy.
• Maintain timekeepers’ calendars of meetings and business trips, using current software applications, and apprise them of responsibilities in advance of commitment.
• File paper and electronic documents with appropriate courts and agencies and ensure proper procedures are followed and deadlines are met.
• Receive, screen, and transmit telephone and conference calls in a professional manner and take accurate telephone messages for timekeepers, clients, and staff as required.
• Process and route incoming mail, faxes, and electronic communications upon receipt.
• Prepare outgoing mail (including boxes/packages for shipment) for prompt delivery, arranging for messenger services as needed to meet deadlines.
• Coordinate with docketing specialist, including review of docketing reports for accuracy of dates, to ensure court or agency documents/actions for legal proceedings meet firm docketing requirements.
• Coordinate preliminary conflicts checks with Professional Standards to ensure attorney and firm ability to represent requesting party.
• Prepare new client/matter intake forms and engagement letters.
• Assist with billing process, including daily time entry-entering, proofreading, spellchecking, and releasing-distribute monthly proformas, and potentially review and edit prebills, and prepare final with cover letter (if appropriate) in accordance with firm or department procedures.
• Prepare accounting documents as required, including check requests, expense and travel reimbursement requests, and trust documents.
• Coordinate client/attorney/administrative conferences, meetings, and appointments for timekeepers and clients, including conference room scheduling, scheduling visitor offices, meals preparation of materials, and arrangement with a third-party if needed (e.g., court reporter/videographer).
• Coordinate travel arrangements, securing air, hotel, and car plans for timekeepers.
• Set up and maintain administrative and client files; file electronic and/or paper documents and information promptly and accurately. Maintain file organization and updated indices (office dependent).
• Prepare notebooks as required.
• Conduct Internet research as directed by timekeepers.
• Occasionally assist timekeepers with personal work requests, defined in the firm manual as “acceptable tasks.”
• Keep supervisor informed of activities and of any significant problems and/or all personal schedule changes; provide timely and accurate timecards regarding hours worked and days missed.
• Coordinate absences within workgroups; proactively provide assistance to timekeepers in the absence of the regular Legal Practice Assistant, and, when time permits, to other Legal Practice Assistants.
• Adhere to the principles of client and firm confidentiality, as outlined in the confidentiality agreement signed at the time of hire.

SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED

• Ability to accurately type 70 WPM, communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and establish effective working relationships throughout operational groups.
• Strong command of the English language including excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, form, and style.
• Excellent organizational skills for prioritizing workload and the ability to compose correspondence.
• Knowledge of library operations and records storage procedures for retrieving materials and files for case work.
• Knowledge of records management and working knowledge of state and federal courts and administrative agency rules, procedures, and deadlines.
• Familiarity with legal terminology and procedures pertinent to the area of assignment.
• experience with Client Portfolios (conforming)

education AND EXPERIENCE

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous law firm experience of five or more years or equivalent preferred.

At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals.

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.

This position may be filled in the following location(s). The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity.

Colorado compensation range: $52,230 to $ 83,580 annually
Illinois compensation range: $55,130 to $88,200 annually
Los Angeles compensation range: $66,120 to $105,790 annually
New York compensation range: $66,120 to $105,790 annually
Washington state compensation range: $55,100 to $88,160 annually
Washington, D.C., compensation range: $59,510 to $95,210 annually

Perkins Coie LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, protected veterans, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, social and recreational activities and termination.