Legal Practice Assistant Trainee

Vedder•Berwyn, IL

7d•$50,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Vedder's Chicago Office is seeking five (5) Legal Practice Assistant Trainees. This entry-level position is ideal for individuals with minimal to no office experience who are interested in building a career in the legal field. The role includes structured training, mentoring, and opportunities for professional growth within the Firm. As a member of a legal support team, you will learn how to provide high-level support to attorneys and paralegals by processing and editing documents; preparing litigation and corporate documents; managing travel arrangements; processing new business intake; preparing and submitting attorney expenses; inputting attorney time entries; handling client billing; responding to client inquiries via phone and email; arranging meetings and conferences; coordinating calendars; monitoring incoming mail, and e-mails; maintaining and updating client files and other duties as assigned. As a Legal Practice Assistant Trainee, your job duties will include but not be limited to: Prepare briefs, pleadings and other litigation documents Prepare corporate documents related to financial transactions Assist attorneys with new client applications, conflict checks and audit letters Accurately enter attorney time into timekeeping system to meet weekly deadlines Work closely with Accounting Department staff to prepare client billings and receivables Establish and maintain paper and electronic client and administrative files in compliance with current Firm policies Interact on a daily basis with departments within the Firm to facilitate highest possible legal support Prepare and submit expense reports and invoice payments Make and manage travel arrangements with assistance of travel agency to ensure all aspects of travel are made accurately and communicated effectively (i.e., air, hotel, car, train, meeting rooms, travel memberships accounts and the like) Provide assistance to attorneys to prepare for all internal/external meetings Manage attorney calendars and schedule client meetings Answer, screen and place phone calls to clients and other business associates and respond to client inquiries Open, review and route mail as directed Provide assistance to other Legal Practice Assistants within the Firm whenever necessary to meet Firm and client needs

Requirements

High attention to detail and accuracy
Strong organizational skills and time management skills
Professional written and verbal communication skills
Ability to deal courteously and effectively with others in a team environment
Ability to read, interpret and follow instructions
Ability to learn quickly and apply training to practical issues
Ability to work core business hours with flexibility for overtime, as required
Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience
Some administrative or hospitality work experience preferred
Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines
Microsoft Word
Adobe
Excel

Responsibilities

Prepare briefs, pleadings and other litigation documents
Prepare corporate documents related to financial transactions
Assist attorneys with new client applications, conflict checks and audit letters
Accurately enter attorney time into timekeeping system to meet weekly deadlines
Work closely with Accounting Department staff to prepare client billings and receivables
Establish and maintain paper and electronic client and administrative files in compliance with current Firm policies
Interact on a daily basis with departments within the Firm to facilitate highest possible legal support
Prepare and submit expense reports and invoice payments
Make and manage travel arrangements with assistance of travel agency to ensure all aspects of travel are made accurately and communicated effectively (i.e., air, hotel, car, train, meeting rooms, travel memberships accounts and the like)
Provide assistance to attorneys to prepare for all internal/external meetings
Manage attorney calendars and schedule client meetings
Answer, screen and place phone calls to clients and other business associates and respond to client inquiries
Open, review and route mail as directed
Provide assistance to other Legal Practice Assistants within the Firm whenever necessary to meet Firm and client needs

Benefits

Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive base salary commensurate with skills and experience.
Bonus Program: Discretionary annual bonus program.
Retirement Planning: Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching to help you plan for your future.
Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm-paid Life and Disability benefits, and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
Paid Time Off: Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs.
Employee Recognition: Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work model and family-friendly policies.
Additional Perks: Employee discount program, pre-tax commuter benefits, back up child & elder care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts and more.

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