Legal Practice Specialist - Private Client

McDermott Will & Emery • Chicago, IL

16d • $78,000 - $110,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Practice Specialist is an integral member of McDermott’s legal team. This position supports the Private Client Practice Group by providing a high level of service and support for their assigned attorneys while consistently producing excellent work product. This position is expected to maintain a general knowledge of business services policies and procedures, practice areas and clients of the Firm. The Legal Practice Specialist must maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive matters and materials related to clients and the Firm. A successful Legal Practice Specialist takes ownership of their role, puts clients first, is adaptable to the evolving needs of the team and actively seeks creative ways to partner with attorneys provide the highest level of client service.

Requirements

• At least seven (7) years of legal secretarial or support experience, private client practice experience is a plus
• Experience with electronic filings with state and county agencies and courts
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Extremely professional , discreet and mature demeanor and presentation
• Strong client service skills with high-level standards of excellence in work product and communications to meet or exceed client and Firm expectations
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to take initiative and use good judgment and excellent follow-up skills
• Strong organizational skills, ability to manage time and delegation to appropriate office staff
• Strong attention to detail in proofreading and editing documents, including knowledge of correct grammar and punctuation
• 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
• Willingness to obtain notary qualification and serve as notary at client meetings to execute documents
• Required to work in the office a minimum of three (3) days each week

Responsibilities

• Build effective working relationships with clients, internal and external, through regular interactions in a friendly, helpful, and professional manner
• Provide exceptional support in document preparation, including editing, proofreading, and redlining documents for accuracy, grammar, and formatting
• Ability to communicate professionally, discreetly and effectively with outside parties (including clients, advisors and other counsel) to coordinate scheduling, transmittal of documents and related items
• Proactively manage attorney Outlook email (when requested) and calendar to include providing reminders of responses needed and impending deadlines and obligations
• Ensure accuracy of contact and other pertinent information within Outlook and the firmwide contact, billing, and marketing databases
• Provide meticulous support in arranging and coordinating logistics for meetings, including video/audio conferencing, room assignments, hand-outs and catering requests
• Proactively manage monthly client billings by reviewing and editing prebills; liaise with billing department to ensure client billings guidelines are followed and bills are sent timely
• Oversee attorney expense reports and vendor invoices through to completion to include, ensuring complete documentation is provided, prompt submission, and necessary follow-up
• Establish and maintain paper and electronic files in compliance with current Firm policies utilizing the Firm’s Document Management System
• Manage client intake process, including generating client conflict inquiries, opening new matters and preparing engagement letters
• Maintain contact information and activities with clients and prospective clients in our CRM system
• Effectively leverage time by delegating administrative tasks to support team
• Perform complex tasks which may be highly confidential and sensitive, and require discretion and diplomacy

Benefits

• Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.
• Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work.
• Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees