Legal Practice Specialist - Litigation

MWE•Chicago, IL

7d•$80,000 - $112,000•Hybrid

About The Position

McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm seeking a Legal Practice Specialist for its Litigation Practice Group. This role involves performing a variety of administrative support tasks for multiple assigned attorneys. The ideal candidate will be solutions-oriented with excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills. The Legal Practice Specialist works under general supervision, relying on instructions and guidelines to perform essential job functions. This position requires substantive knowledge and experience in litigation, including trial experience, experience working with a trial team, managing databases, and filing in various jurisdictions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or related legal work experience
At least five (5) years of litigation experience
Knowledge of court rules and civil procedures in State and Federal jurisdictions
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word)
Strong written and verbal communication skills; professional demeanor and presentation
Strong client service skills with high-level standards of excellence in work product to meet or exceed client and Firm expectations
Strong organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail
Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
Strong problem-solving skills with ability to take initiative and use good judgment and excellent follow-up skills
Ability to maintain and handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and diplomacy
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of Relativity, PACER, CM/ECF, Westlaw, Lexis, as well as other relevant litigation applications is preferred (File & ServeXpress)
Knowledge of trial procedures including managing databases, filing in various jurisdictions, and other aspects of trial preparation

Responsibilities

Perform administrative support tasks for multiple assigned attorneys within the Litigation Practice Group.
Support all aspects of trial preparation, including handling logistics and supporting at trial as necessary.
Manage the intake process, from conflicts check to client/matter number creation.
Prepare subpoenas, court scheduling stipulations, motions, and brief templates.
Edit, proofread, and redline documents and correspondence for accuracy, grammar, and formatting.
Review and edit prebills and work with the billing practice group to ensure timely client billings.
Oversee attorney expense reports and vendor invoices, ensuring complete documentation and prompt submission.
Manage attorney Outlook email and calendar when requested, including providing reminders of responses and deadlines.
Organize attorney travel logistics, including flights, hotels, meals, and transportation.
Input, review, edit, and update attorney time entries.
Coordinate meeting logistics, including scheduling, arranging videoconferences, conference calls, and conference rooms; requesting equipment and food/beverage orders; preparing presentation materials; and welcoming visitors.
Assist in coordinating closing dinners for attorneys and handling logistics for small attorney events in partnership with the Firm Events team.
Answer incoming telephone calls and document and relay messages.
Organize and maintain paper and electronic files in accordance with Firm records retention policies.
Proactively remind attorneys of impending deadlines and obligations.