Civil Litigation Legal Assistant

Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

HSA with firm contribution

Paid Family & Medical Leave

Disability & Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off to Recharge

Job summary

Cos grave Vergeer Kester LLP is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to provide high-level administrative and legal support to assigned attorneys and paralegals in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You will help manage complex documents, deadlines, filings, and client communications with precision and professionalism.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of 2 years of civil litigation experience, strong knowledge of court procedures, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and e-filing.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years civil litigation legal assistant experience.
• 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 a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, and Adobe).
• Experience with document management and client database systems.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accurate, polished work.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, revise, and proofread correspondence, pleadings, and complex legal documents.
• Manage attorney calendars, schedule meetings, and track 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.

Skills

Civil litigation experience

Deadline management

Attention to detail

Client communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Document management systems

Electronic filing systems

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?

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.

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance with multiple plan options
• HSA with firm contribution, plus FSA options
• Paid Family & Medical Leave plus firm-paid Disability & Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program with 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 pay for the meaningful work you do

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