Legal Executive Assistant

DLA Piper•New York, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Executive Assistant supports lawyers by managing the daily functions of an attorney’s practice, enabling the attorney to focus on developing and sustaining their practice. The role acts as an executive-level assistant and trusted business partner, connecting people, communicating critical information, ensuring meetings and materials are accurate, and advancing the priorities of the practice and its clients. The assistant collaborates with Legal Administrative Assistants and Legal Support Assistants and applies administrative expertise, knowledge of legal procedures and terminology, and an understanding of the business context of the work. The position is based in DLA Piper’s New York office and offers a hybrid work arrangement, with remote and in-office requirements coordinated with the hiring manager or supervisor and subject to change at the firm’s discretion. The role oversees attorney projects, communications, documents, research, meetings, billing, calendars, travel, expenses, time entry, and matter records. It also delegates and monitors work, provides feedback and mentorship to support staff, and helps ensure accurate, timely work product and effective collaboration across the firm. The position requires at least five years of administrative experience in a corporate or legal environment supporting upper-level leadership. A high school diploma or GED is required; a bachelor’s degree in legal studies, business administration, or a related field is preferred. This is a non-exempt position paid hourly, with overtime paid in accordance with applicable laws. The expected hiring range is $47.39–$62.79 per hour, depending on geographic market and other qualifications. The firm offers medical, dental, and vision insurance and a 401(k). The role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship or support, and applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction where the position is posted are not eligible for relocation assistance.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 5 years of administrative experience in a corporate or legal environment supporting upper-level leadership.
Effective communication in the region’s native language, by email and voice.
In-depth knowledge of administrative and legal processes, procedures, and document types.
Professionalism, discretion, adaptability, initiative, and commitment to continued development.
Ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely in writing and verbally, listen effectively, and understand others’ needs and concerns.
Excellent time management, attention to detail, planning, prioritization, and multitasking in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
Ability to work under pressure while remaining positive and productive, and to request assistance from firm resources when needed.
Expert experience with technology and firm software, including research tools, case management software, accounting software, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and third-party programs.
Ability to adapt to application upgrades and use AI-powered tools for document production, review, and case research.
Proficiency with virtual collaboration tools such as Zoom and Teams.
Ability to maintain confidences and handle sensitive legal matters with care and integrity.
Ability to meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and produce high-quality work in accordance with firm policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in legal studies, business administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Manage the attorney’s projects, coordinate with lawyers and administrative teams, and help ensure deadlines and project milestones are met.
Serve as a liaison among attorneys, clients, internal departments, and support teams; handle inquiries and accurately relay messages.
Use independent judgment when responding on behalf of the attorney and offer solutions to requests and challenges.
Develop professional relationships, build trust, resolve conflicts, and collaborate across organizational levels.
Delegate assignments to Legal Support Assistants and AskLegalSupport, monitor progress, and communicate with support teams to ensure timely and accurate outcomes.
Provide service feedback and improvement recommendations to firm management teams.
Collaborate with other Legal Executive Assistants or Legal Administrative Assistants on complex projects and administrative support.
Mentor Legal Support Assistants and provide feedback supporting their professional development and continued improvement.
Draft, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, and presentations; review final work product for accuracy.
Support information governance and records management for client and matter work, including organizing content in approved repositories and proactive matter close-out activities.
Liaise with attorneys, matter teams, and information governance or records resources as needed.
Conduct research for the attorney and practice group and compile information for case preparation and executive briefings.
Coordinate with internal support teams to complete presentations and other materials.
Plan meetings and coordinate with internal and external participants; prepare agendas and ensure required materials and logistics are ready.
Track and manage requests arising during meetings and ensure they are handled accurately and promptly.
Oversee billing matters, approval forms, and related correspondence; ensure prebills are processed accurately and on time, act as an attorney proxy for billing questions, and arrange timely delivery and follow-up of final bills.
Manage the attorney’s calendar, schedule meetings, resolve conflicts, and organize complex travel itineraries.
Flag competing priorities to the attorney and offer solutions.
Ensure the attorney’s expenses and time entry are assigned to AskLegalSupport and processed correctly and promptly.
Communicate effectively, produce high-quality work, meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, comply with firm policies, and maintain confidentiality.