Legal Secretary - Global Transportation Finance

Vedder Price Careers • Chicago, IL

3d • $75,000 - $92,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Vedder Price's Chicago office is seeking a GTF Legal Secretary. The legal secretary provides support to attorneys and paralegals resulting in a high level of client service, including, but not limited to: preparing and editing financial transaction documents; managing detailed travel arrangements; processing of new business intake; preparing and submitting attorney expenses; inputting attorney time entries; handling intricate client billing; responding to client inquiries via phone and email; arranging meetings and conferences for internal groups and related to business development activities; coordinating calendars; monitoring incoming mail and e-mails; maintaining and updating client files and other tasks. As a GTF Legal Secretary, your duties will include but not be limited to: Prepare, revise, format and finalize a wide variety of legal documents Assist attorneys with new client applications, conflict checks, engagement letters, waiver letters and auditor response letters Accurately enter attorney time into timekeeping system to meet daily/weekly deadlines 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 vendor invoices Work closely with Accounting Department staff to prepare client billings and receivables to meet client billing format and reporting requirements Proficiency with making and managing travel arrangements with assistance of travel agency to ensure all aspects of travel are made accurately and communicated effectively for travel both in the U.S. and abroad (i.e., air, hotel, car, train, meeting rooms, travel memberships accounts and the like) Arrange client and group meetings with calendar appointments and other hospitality arrangements 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 Secretaries within Firm whenever necessary to meet Firm and client needs Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Knowledge of corporate transactional and closing processes
• Knowledge of legal terminology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with others
• Ability to read, interpret and follow instructions
• Ability to work core business hours with flexibility for overtime, as required
• Personable, professional, detailed-oriented and a problem solver
• Able to prioritize tasks in a high-pressure environment
• Strong organizational skills combined with the ability to work independently and be resourceful with problem solving
• Associate's degree preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years of legal secretarial experience in a law firm environment working with multiple attorneys.
• Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines.
• Proficient in Word
• Adobe
• Excel

Responsibilities

• Prepare, revise, format and finalize a wide variety of legal documents
• Assist attorneys with new client applications, conflict checks, engagement letters, waiver letters and auditor response letters
• Accurately enter attorney time into timekeeping system to meet daily/weekly deadlines
• 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 vendor invoices
• Work closely with Accounting Department staff to prepare client billings and receivables to meet client billing format and reporting requirements
• Proficiency with making and managing travel arrangements with assistance of travel agency to ensure all aspects of travel are made accurately and communicated effectively for travel both in the U.S. and abroad (i.e., air, hotel, car, train, meeting rooms, travel memberships accounts and the like)
• Arrange client and group meetings with calendar appointments and other hospitality arrangements
• 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 Secretaries within Firm whenever necessary to meet Firm and client needs
• Other duties as assigned

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree