Practice Assistant - Litigation (Hybrid)

Holland & Knight•Chicago, IL

55d•$39 - $59•Hybrid

About The Position

We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success. This position is based in our Chicago office. General Description: The Chicago office of Holland & Knight is seeking a Practice Assistant for its Litigation group. The Practice Assistant will provide high-quality administrative support to a group of lawyers and professionals in a team environment, effectively and efficiently meeting Firm/client needs. The Practice Assistant position is currently a hybrid role with designated days required to be in the office, which may change depending on future needs of the Firm or industry standards.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe.
Experience with document management systems.
Experience with electronic signature software programs.
Proficiency in core legal administrative assistant functions and advanced technical and communications skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple competing tasks and demands.
Superb attention to detail, grammar, and punctuation, and the ability to articulate thoughts and effectively present innovative ideas and findings.
Ability to take direction and work independently with little supervision.
Ability to effectively work well with others.
Effective and professional interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to write clearly and professionally, with excellent proofing skills.
Strong work ethic with ability and commitment to maintain confidentiality.
General knowledge of litigation practices and procedures; knowledge of court systems (general district/small claims, circuit, federal, appellate).
Expertise with PACER and other electronic filing in state and federal courts, and administrative agencies.
Experience with docketing/calendaring of all case events/filing deadlines using a centralized docketing system/software.
Knowledge of court procedures, and where to find Local Rules of Court and Judge's Standing Orders.
Experience processing summonses, subpoenas, discovery requests.
Experience with preparing legal documents (pleadings, discovery, document production materials, memoranda) and other correspondence.
Experience with Bates labeling and redacting documents for trial preparation; experience scheduling court depositions, hearings, and other meetings as determined by attorney.
Bachelor's degree
4 - 5 years of experience supporting lawyers and paralegals with administrative or client-related tasks preferred.

Responsibilities

Communicate effectively and professionally with clients, lawyers, and co-workers via email, by telephone, and in person; answer telephone, providing responses to routine questions from clients and staff members, and/or route calls to appropriate lawyer or staff member; arrange conference calls and greet clients.
Create, draft, format, edit, proofread, and manage Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations; draft routine business correspondence, forms, and documents under the supervision of an appropriate lawyer/professional.
Schedule domestic and foreign travel through Firm travel system, including flights, hotels, and/or car rentals.
Prepare, organize, and process reimbursements, invoices, and check requests in a timely manner.
Collect and prepare information to run conflict checks, open new client matters, and draft engagement letters, scope letters, and other required documents; provide guidance to lawyers to ensure completed forms are prepared and submitted properly.
Learn client-specific billing guidelines or restrictions and consistently apply them to client invoices to ensure compliance and cost-effective practices.
Open, prioritize, and distribute mail (both paper and electronic), coordinate mailings, deliveries, copying, scanning, and printing, when appropriate.
Enter and manage work requests from lawyers in the Firm's workflow tool and complete according to provided deadline(s).
Perform routine electronic and paper filing in an organized manner for easy access; photocopy, scan, compile, and distribute documents; identify and coordinate available services provided by administrative departments, including office services, the IT Help Desk, document services, accounting, billing, and records.
Perform all file maintenance, including saving documents to the document management system.
Assist lawyers with time entry, billing, and collection, as needed.
Operate independently to ensure completion of assignments, which may be complex in nature or require high-level production, in an accurate and timely manner. Produce a high volume of work assignments in an accurate and timely manner.
Perform clerical duties for non-legal departments, as needed.
Special projects and duties as assigned.

Benefits

comprehensive medical (PPO and HDHPs), dental and vision plans including coverage for domestic partners
life and AD&D insurance
short and long term disability insurance
tax-advantaged accounts for health care expenses, including FSAs and HSAs
FSAs for dependent care
health advocacy services
behavioral health and counseling resources for all family members
401(k)
profit sharing
pre-tax transit and parking program
backup dependent care
senior care planning support
resources for individuals with development disabilities and their caregivers
paid holidays and other paid time off, including paid leave for new parents