Legal Support - Assistant and Senior Assistant

Sidley Austin•Chicago, IL

46d•$56,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are actively hiring for multiple levels within our Legal Support team in Chicago. Depending on your background, you may be considered for one of the following roles: Assistant or Senior Assistant. Candidates will be evaluated on their skills, education, and experience to determine the appropriate level, and compensation will depend on the specific role and individual candidate. Legal Support Assistant is an entry-level role designed to provide substantive training and development opportunities to build the knowledge and skills necessary to support attorneys in a law firm environment. Working closely with the Legal Support Manager and/or Legal Support Supervisor, the position learns to perform a variety of clerical and administrative tasks while following established office procedures and maintaining efficient workflows. The role also requires establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external clients while adhering to firm policies and procedures. Legal Support Senior Assistant is responsible for various administrative tasks for attorneys, coordinates and follows effective office procedures and efficient workflows, establishes and maintains harmonious working relationships with both internal and external clients while adhering to firm policies and procedures. Prior experience working in key firm practice areas with knowledge of practice specific operations is essential. Involved in the day-to-day management of clients and matters.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalency
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications with high aptitude for learning new software and systems
Three or more years of related work experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Previous experience in a similar role in a law firm or professional services environment supporting multiple fee earners
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other software typically used in law firms (ex. InTapp, Chrome River, NetDocs, etc.); high aptitude for learning new software and systems
Knowledge of legal terminology and formats
Superior written and verbal communication skills
Strong attention to detail
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Self-starter who takes initiative; shows ownership and commitment to the position
Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with others
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion
Ability to work under pressure; manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities
Ability to develop proficiency in legal and administrative applications that support firm operations and client work
Eager and willing to learn new skills
Reliable with strong work ethic
Presents professionally with an ability to speak comfortably and professionally with attorneys, staff, clients and vendors
Excellent customer service
Proactive and positive approach to assignments and responsibilities
Excellent customer service and client relationship skills
Ability to work independently, harmoniously and effectively with others
Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change
Willingness to develop others through mentoring and sharing experiences

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree
Ability to accurately type 50 words per minute
Professional services industry experience a plus
Global law firm experience

Responsibilities

Prepare, format, edit and finalize documents including correspondence, charts, motions, briefs, pleadings, exhibits, contracts, memoranda, etc. using MS Office applications and other firm software
Proofread all work to ensure proper formatting, spelling and grammar
Input, edit and finalize attorney daily time entries using the InTapp billing system ensuring compliance with time entry policies and client billing guidelines
Prepare and submit expenses and invoices for payment; submit check requests as needed
Coordinate travel arrangements including air, hotel and car service for attorneys; maintain travel expenses
Receive, screen and route telephone calls, conference calls and messages to attorneys, clients and staff
Process incoming and outgoing mail and deliveries; distribute promptly upon receipt
Coordinate conferences, meetings, and appointments for attorneys and clients including conference room scheduling and catering
Establishes and maintains paper and electronic files in compliance with current firm policies
Collaborate with departments across the firm in order to complete required tasks within the role by using appropriate resources
Perform a variety of clerical and administrative functions including photocopying, printing, binder assembly, transcribing and revising digital audio, etc.
Operates office equipment including PCs, printers, phones, copiers, scanners and facsimiles
Cover other desk assignments when needed and offers assistance to others on the team in order to meet firm and client needs
Perform other duties as assigned
Collect and submit information needed to open new client matters and run conflicts
Assist attorneys in preparing for client meetings, deal closings, hearings, trials, depositions and other client related project support
Track and organize material and information related to attorney leadership roles in bar and other professional organizations
Manage calendars and coordinate conferences, meetings, and appointments for attorneys and clients including conference room scheduling and related services
Address issues and resolve problems
Maintain and demonstrate proficiency in the use of firm-issued equipment, firm-required software and practice specific applications, as required
Willingness to develop others through mentoring and sharing experiences