Civil Litigation Legal Assistant

Cosgrave Vergeer Kester LLP.; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

HSA with firm contribution; plus FSA

Paid Family & Medical Leave; firm-paid

Disability & Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off to Recharge

Retirement Plan with Firm Contributors

Competitive pay

Full year-end bonus eligibility

Job summary

Cosgrave Vergeer Kester LLP in Portland seeks an experienced Legal Assistant to provide high-level administrative and legal support. You will manage complex documents, deadlines, filings, and client communications to help our attorneys deliver exceptional service.

This role suits a seasoned professional who thrives on multitasking, anticipates needs, and works well in a team-focused environment where excellence and service matter.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of civil litigation legal assistant experience required.
• Strong knowledge of legal terminology, court rules, and filing procedures at local, state, and federal levels.
• Experience with electronic filing in Oregon state and federal courts; Washington experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook) and Adobe.
• Experience with document management and client databases.
• Clear, professional written and spoken communication.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple deadlines under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, revise, and proofread legal pleadings, correspondence, and documents.
• Manage attorney calendars, schedules, and deadlines.
• Coordinate and prepare electronic court filings.
• Maintain organized client files (paper and electronic).
• Assist with billing, reimbursements, and client communications.
• Prepare new matter documentation and update client contact information.
• Coordinate travel and expense reports.
• Provide trial support as needed.
• Back up other Legal Assistants and collaborate with firm departments.

Skills

Civil litigation experience

Legal terminology

Electronic court filings

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Adobe

Document management systems

Client databases

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Adobe Acrobat

Document management systems

Client databases

Job description

Looking for a role where your precision and professionalism make a real impact?

Do you thrive on managing deadlines, perfecting documents, and anticipating what needs to happen next?

Does the fast-paced world of litigation energize you?

Are you looking for a firm where your experience is valued and your contributions truly matter? Would you like to be eligible for a full 2026 year-end bonus? Join our team by November 30, 2026, and you could be!

If so, we’d love to meet you.

Cosgrave Vergeer Kester LLP is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant who takes pride in precision, professionalism, and supporting meaningful legal work. In this role, you’ll play an essential part in helping our attorneys and paralegals deliver exceptional service to our clients.

About the Job

We’re looking for a Legal Assistant to join our collaborative team. In this role, you’ll provide high-level administrative and legal support to assigned attorneys and paralegals, helping manage complex documents, deadlines, filings, and client communications.

This position is ideal for a seasoned legal professional who enjoys managing multiple priorities, anticipating needs, and working in a team-focused environment where excellence and service matter.

You —

• Bring a minimum of 2 years of civil litigation legal assistant experience; civil litigation experience is required
• Have strong knowledge of legal terminology, court rules, and filing procedures at the local, state, and federal levels
• Have experience with electronic filing in Oregon state and federal courts; Washington experience a plus
• Are highly proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Adobe
• Have experience with document management and client database systems
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and in person
• Are detail-oriented and take pride in producing accurate, polished work
• Manage multiple deadlines effectively and stay calm under pressure
• Thrive in a team environment while also working independently
• Are proactive, flexible, and adaptable

Us —

• A well-established Portland law firm known for integrity, professionalism, and high-quality service
• A supportive, team-focused workplace that values collaboration and mutual respect
• A culture that balances tradition with innovation — we take our work seriously, but not ourselves
• Committed to ethical excellence, community involvement, and maintaining a positive work environment
• Focused on service first, while maintaining a strong and sustainable firm

What You’ll Do

• Prepare, revise, and proofread correspondence, pleadings, and complex legal documents
• Manage attorney calendars, schedule meetings, and track important deadlines
• Coordinate and prepare electronic court filings
• Maintain and organize paper and electronic client files
• Assist with billing support, expense reimbursements, and client communications
• Prepare new matter documentation and maintain client contact information
• Coordinate travel arrangements and prepare expense reports
• Support attorneys during trial as needed
• Serve as backup to other Legal Assistants and collaborate with firm departments

What We Offer

At Cosgrave, you’ll find a community and team environment where your work truly matters. Our open-door culture encourages collaboration and mentorship, and our team connects through firm lunches, happy hours, outings, and even a company softball team. Events happen both during the workday and after hours, making it easy for everyone to join in.

Most roles follow a hybrid schedule with two days in the office, blending flexibility with teamwork.

We back our culture with benefits that support your health, future, and balance:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurancewith multiple plan options
• HSA with firm contribution, plusFSA options
• Paid Family & Medical Leaveplus firm-paid Disability & Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programwith counseling, childcare, financial, and wellness resources
• Time Off to Recharge: 10 firm holidays, 3 personal days, and sick time
• Retirement Plan with Firm Contributions to support your future
• Competitive payfor the meaningful work you do
• Full year-end bonuseligibility for new hires who start by November 30, 2026

At Cosgrave Vergeer Kester LLP, you’ll discover a place to grow your career while feeling supported, valued, and connected.