Legal Assistant / Practice Assistant

Ogletree Deakins•Los Angeles, CA

3d•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 with general supervision, the Practice Assistant supports the delivery of quality legal services by providing secretarial and administrative assistance and performing complex and specialized clerical tasks. The role supports multiple attorneys as primary assignments and provides backup secretarial assistance to other attorneys as needed. Depending on office size, the role may also provide receptionist backup. The Practice Assistant prepares and processes correspondence, memoranda, and complex legal documents; maintains attorney calendars and paper and electronic files; handles mail and fax communications; prepares time and expense entries; and provides general administrative support. The role calls for professional communication with clients and colleagues, proactive planning, and meeting deadlines in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. Additional duties may include mentoring new office staff or assisting with pilots of new software. The expected salary range for this California position is $67,000 to $124,000. Actual pay may be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law.

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 in 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, following practice-group requirements.
Independently compose and draft routine cover letters and documents; proofread for formatting, spelling, and grammar; prepare revisions and redlines as directed; and prepare documents for e-filing.
Review and route incoming mail and faxes; prepare and process outgoing mail and faxes; arrange specialized mail or messenger services; and ensure attachments, exhibits, and enclosures are included.
Maintain and update assigned attorneys’ calendars, including meetings, appointments, due dates, and client-related activities.
Maintain paper and electronic files in compliance with internal policies; perform routine filing and file retrieval; and maintain chronological and administrative files.
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 effectively and professionally with clients and others in the firm.
Anticipate assigned attorneys’ business needs, plan ahead, and meet deadlines.
May assist with mentoring new office staff and piloting new software.
May provide backup receptionist coverage 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