Legal Assistant

Summary: Legal Assistants at Dickinson Wright LLP (“the Firm”) provide administrative and legal support to assigned lawyers in accordance with established Firm policies and procedures. Working under the supervision of their lawyers and Office Administrator, they perform a wide range of tasks including document preparation, calendar management, file maintenance, and other key administrative functions to ensure smooth and efficient legal support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Legal Assistant provides critical administrative and legal support to lawyers and clients. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Deliver comprehensive administrative support to lawyers and clients, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in all assigned tasks.
2. Utilize office technology, including computers, word processing software, transcription tools, copiers, scanners, and telecommunication equipment, to complete tasks efficiently.
3. Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, legal documents, and memoranda with a high level of accuracy.
4. Communicate effectively with lawyers, clients, courts, and vendors via email, phone, and other platforms.
5. Screen and route incoming calls; take accurate messages and follow-up with callers as needed.
6. Review, sort, and distribute incoming mail; ensure timely preparation and dispatch of outgoing correspondence and filings.
7. Open new matters, initiate conflict checks, maintain physical and electronic client files, and coordinate file closure processes.
8. Greet and assist clients and visitors in a professional manner, maintaining confidentiality and upholding the lawyer-client privilege.
9. Assist with billing processes, including proofreading proformas, making edits, and processing invoices for client matters.
10. Track and manage lawyer expenses and reimbursements in compliance with Firm policies.
11. Collaborate with administrative departments such as Reception, Accounting, Information Technology, Marketing, and Records to support Firm operations.
12. Provide overflow assistance with typing, scanning, copying, and other clerical tasks as needed.
13. Maintain and monitor lawyer calendars by scheduling meetings, court appearances, depositions, and travel, while tracking deadlines and filing requirements.
14. Act as a liaison for lawyers by managing delegated tasks, gathering information, and exercising judgment to determine appropriate actions or escalation.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities Required:

The ideal candidate for the Legal Assistant role will meet the following qualifications and possess the necessary skills to succeed in a fast-paced legal environment:

1. Strong written communication skills, including the ability to proofread and edit legal correspondence and documents for grammar, spelling, and typographical
2. Basic math proficiency to perform routine calculations and verify numerical data, typically acquired through a high school diploma or equivalent.
3. 3-5 years of relevant legal administrative experience, with a working knowledge of law office procedures, document formatting, and legal terminology.
4. Proficiency in typing and transcription, including the ability to accurately type at a minimum of 70 words per minute from dictation or draft.
5. Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage competing deadlines under time constraints.
6. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with lawyers, clients, and team members across all levels.
7. Comfortable communicating by phone and email with courtesy, discretion, and professionalism.
8. High attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
9. Proven ability to manage workflow, delegate when appropriate, and ensure timely completion of assignments.
10. Ability to maintain focus and efficiency while managing a high volume of information and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
11. Willingness to work extended or irregular hours when necessary to meet case deadlines or support lawyer needs.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements. Please note that a variety of factors determine compensation, including geographic location, experience, relevant degrees and certifications, and other applicable factors authorized by law.

Dickinson Wright offers a generous benefits package for eligible fulltime employees within our office, including health, dental and paid vacation.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.