Legal Assistant / Practice Assistant

Ogletree Deakins • Los Angeles, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Ogletree Deakins is seeking a Legal Assistant / Practice Assistant for its West LA office. Under the direction of assigned attorneys and paralegals and general supervision, the Practice Assistant supports the delivery of quality legal services by providing secretarial and administrative assistance, performing complex and specialized clerical tasks, and working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. The role supports multiple attorneys as primary assignments and provides backup secretarial assistance to other attorneys. Depending on office size, the assistant may also provide backup receptionist support.

The Practice Assistant prepares and processes correspondence, memoranda, and complex legal documents; drafts routine cover letters and documents; proofreads and formats materials; prepares revisions and redlines; and prepares documents for e-filing. The role handles mail and fax communications, maintains attorney calendars and paper and electronic files, prepares time entries and expense requests, assists with billing matters, and provides general administrative support such as processing new matter documents, handling calls and visitors, coordinating travel, and scheduling meetings. Additional duties may include mentoring new office staff and helping pilot new software.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of experience as a practice assistant or legal secretary.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, legal documents, and legal processes.
• Accurate typing speed of at least 70 words per minute.
• Strong computer proficiency with MS Office, document-management, time-entry, e-filing, and database software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Strong proofreading skills.
• Superior organizational skills, including filing, calendaring, and proofreading.
• Time-management skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Regular, predictable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process correspondence, memoranda, and complex legal documents using word-processing and document-management software.
• Independently compose and draft routine cover letters and documents.
• Proofread documents for formatting, spelling, and grammar; prepare revisions and redlines as directed.
• Prepare documents for e-filing as required.
• Review and route incoming mail and fax communications; prepare outgoing mail and faxes and arrange specialized mail or messenger services.
• Ensure mailings include all required attachments, exhibits, and enclosures.
• Maintain and update assigned attorneys’ calendars, including meetings, appointments, due dates, and client-related activities.
• Maintain paper and electronic files in accordance with internal policies; perform routine filing and retrieve files as needed.
• Maintain chronological and administrative files for assigned attorneys.
• Prepare and timely submit time entries for assigned attorneys.
• Prepare expense reimbursement and disbursement requests.
• Prepare billing letters and coordinate client billing matters with the Billing Department in Greenville.
• Prepare and process new matter documents.
• Receive and screen phone calls, take messages, and receive and direct clients and visitors.
• Coordinate travel arrangements, prepare itineraries, and prepare travel expense reports.
• Schedule meetings and arrange conference rooms and meals.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with clients and others in the Firm.
• Anticipate assigned attorneys’ business needs, plan ahead, and meet deadlines.
• Provide additional administrative assistance as needed, which may include mentoring new office staff and assisting with piloting new software.
• Provide backup receptionist support as necessary, depending on office size.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Paid sick leave
• 401(k) matching program
• Profit sharing
• Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts for dependent-care and/or health-care expenses
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed