Legal Assistant / Practice Assistant

Ogletree Deakins•Denver, CO

4h•Onsite

About The Position

Ogletree Deakins is seeking a Practice Assistant for its Denver office. Working under the direction of assigned attorneys and paralegals and under general supervision, the Practice Assistant supports the delivery of quality legal services by providing secretarial and administrative assistance, completing complex and specialized clerical work, and collaborating in a team-oriented environment. The role supports multiple attorneys as primary assignments and provides backup secretarial support to other attorneys as assigned. Depending on the size of the office, the Practice Assistant may also provide backup receptionist support. The Practice Assistant prepares and processes correspondence, memoranda, and complex legal documents; drafts routine cover letters and documents; proofreads and formats materials; prepares revisions and redlines; and prepares documents for electronic filing. The role also processes incoming and outgoing mail and faxes, maintains attorney calendars and paper and electronic files, prepares time entries and expense requests, and coordinates billing matters. Additional administrative work includes processing new matter documents, handling calls and visitors, arranging travel and meetings, and anticipating attorney needs to meet deadlines. On occasion, the Practice Assistant may help mentor new office staff or pilot new software.

Requirements

At least 4 years of experience as a practice assistant or legal secretary.
Knowledge of legal terminology, legal documents, and legal processes.
Accurate typing speed of at least 70 words per minute.
Strong computer proficiency with MS Office, document management, time entry, e-filing, and database software.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Understanding of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Strong proofreading skills.
Superior organizational skills, including filing, calendaring, and proofreading.
Time management skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Regular, predictable attendance.

Responsibilities

Prepare and process correspondence, memoranda, and complex legal documents using word processing and document management software.
Independently compose and draft routine cover letters and documents; proofread for formatting, spelling, and grammar; prepare revisions and redlines as directed; and prepare documents for e-filing.
Review and route incoming mail and fax communications, process outgoing mail and faxes, arrange specialized mail or messenger services, and ensure attachments, exhibits, and enclosures are included.
Maintain and update calendars for assigned attorneys, including meetings, appointments, due dates, and client-related activities.
Maintain paper and electronic files in accordance with internal policies, perform routine filing and file retrieval, and maintain chronological and administrative files.
Prepare and timely submit time entries for assigned attorneys; prepare expense reimbursement and disbursement requests; prepare billing letters; and coordinate client billing matters with the Billing Department in Greenville.
Prepare and process new matter documents.
Receive and screen phone calls, take messages, and receive and direct clients and visitors.
Coordinate travel, prepare itineraries and travel expense reports, schedule meetings, and arrange conference rooms and meals.
Communicate professionally and effectively with clients and others in the firm; anticipate assigned attorneys’ business needs, plan ahead, and meet deadlines.
May assist with mentoring new office staff and piloting new software.
May provide backup secretarial assistance to other attorneys and, depending on office size, backup receptionist support.