Legal Assistant

Reynolds Defense Firm•Portland, OR

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Legal Assistant is responsible for supporting the legal department and all clients, as well as assisting their assigned attorney and specific clients. They ensure that the moving parts in each client’s case happen the right way and at the right time. The Legal Assistant is responsible for managing all aspects of each client’s case, from scheduling meetings and court appearances, to gathering and filing paperwork, to communicating important information to the client, attorney, staff members, and courts. This is initially a full time in-person position. After 90 days of service, with manager approval, a legal assistant may work one day per week from home. After 180 days of service, with manager approval, two days per week may be work from home.

Requirements

High School diploma required
1-5 years’ legal assistant experience preferred
Basic understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters is helpful in this role
Experience with a client-focused organization
Experience with high-volume caseload/work output
Knowledge of, or ability to learn and master understanding of, the criminal process for a DUII case
Ability to succeed in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
Ability to manage a fluctuating caseload (high volume w/ medium to heavy caseload)
Excellent verbal and written business communication skills, and interpersonal skills
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to prioritize based on deadlines
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to multi-task
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgement
Strong ability to work independently and as part of a team, supporting co-workers as needed
Adaptable and easily able to pivot as needed
Ability to learn and understand new concepts as related to legal documents and process
Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat, and comfortable learning and using new software programs quickly

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or related field preferred, but not required
Criminal defense experience preferred; bonus if you have previous DUI experience
Working knowledge of and experience supporting one metro-area jurisdiction preferred (Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington)

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for all assigned clients and establish and maintain an authentic relationship with each client
Manage all phases of each client case, including prioritizing tasks related to each case
Recognize familiar legal documents and navigate the next steps towards case resolution
Draft and review motions
Gather information from clients, district attorneys, and courts in a timely manner
Respond to all case-related inquiries, both internal and external, in a timely manner
Use case management software (ActionStep) to record daily actions/communications for all cases
Use Adobe Acrobat to edit and build documents
Manage all calendaring and scheduling needs for clients and attorney
Process E-filing Oregon for required clients
Support other legal assistant’s caseloads during absences or times of high caseloads
Performs other related duties as required and assigned