Labor & Employment Legal Assistant

Varnum LLP; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Varnum LLP, a Michigan-based full-service law firm, has a full-time opening for an experienced Legal Assistant supporting the Labor & Employment practice in the Novi office. This 100% in-person role requires 2-3 years of prior Legal Assistant experience and strong client service skills.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and able to work independently as well as part of a team. Responsibilities include document preparation, filing, dictation transcription, calendar maintenance,

Qualifications

• Two to three years Legal Assistant experience, minimal supervision.
• Experience supporting Labor & Employment practice preferred.
• Experience supporting Litigation including filing in state and federal courts.
• Proficient with MS Office and legal document management software.

Responsibilities

• Participates in a client-focused team, professional communication, and assists attorneys.
• Proofreads and edits attorney time; ensures complete information before monthly deadline.
• Prepares correspondence, memos, pleadings, briefs, forms; files documents electronically and physically.
• Transcribes documents, proofreads for accuracy and professional appearance.
• Opens new files, runs conflicts checks, maintains all client/general files orderly.
• Maintains calendars for case-related dates and prepares required documents.
• Drafts and delivers engagement letters; handles mail and courier logistics.
• Answers calls courteously, forwards messages, and handles non-legal inquiries.
• Closes inactive files per policy; assists with reimbursements and overflow work.
• Attends staff meetings and other required trainings; maintains confidentiality.

Skills

MS Office Suite

Proofreading

Organization

Multitasking

Communication

Client service

Independent work

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in legal studies or related field

High school diploma

Tools

iManage

Aderant EA Pro

Intapp

Job description

Labor & Employment Legal Assistant - Novi

Varnum LLP, a Michigan-based, full-service law firm with over 225 attorneys and 6 offices, has a full-time opening for an experienced Legal Assistant supporting the Labor & Employment practice team in our Novi office. We are seeking a candidate who is organized and displays keen attention to detail, with a superb commitment to client service. This individual should be comfortable working independently, as well as part of a team. This role is 100% in-person and requires at least 2-3 years of prior Legal Assistant experience.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in a client-focused team displaying professionalism, excellent communication skills, and exercising personal judgment under the ultimate direction of assigned attorneys.
• Proofreads and edits attorney time in the billing system; ensures accurate entry of complete information before each monthly deadline.
• Prepares correspondence, memos, pleadings, briefs, forms and other documents in proper legal form; files legal documents with appropriate attachments, both electronically and via traditional filing methods.
• Transcribes documents from dictation; proofreads and edits all documents to ensure accuracy and professional appearance.
• Opens and creates new files, performs conflict of interest checks through conflicts control system, and maintains all electronic and physical client and general files in a neat and orderly condition.
• Maintains appointment and deadline reminder calendars (docket) for all case-related dates, including but not limited to appointments, deadlines, and follow-up dates. Prepares necessary documents, copies, and binders for all appointments.
• Drafts, finalizes, and delivers engagement letters.
• Receives, reads, and routes incoming postal mail. Arranges for the proper delivery of documents/projects via courier runs, hand-deliveries, Federal Express, UPS, Express Mail, etc.; provides complete information to courier for delivery.
• Answers telephone calls in a courteous and professional manner; forwards messages to the intended parties; answers non-legal questions. Places phone calls as needed or requested.
• Closes inactive files in a timely manner and in accordance with the Record Retention & Destruction Policy and Guideline.
• Requests checks for filing fees, etc. and attorneys' business expense reimbursements.
• Assists with legal assistant work overflow or absence coverage as time permits or needs dictate and as requested by other attorneys, paralegals, or Human Resources representatives.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions and other required employee meetings.
• Copying, typing, scanning, faxing and any other general office duty as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality in all firm and client matters.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Completion of high school.
• Bachelor’s degree in legal studies or related field preferred.

Experience:

• Two to three years Legal Assistant experience, demonstrating an understanding of law office policies and procedures and an ability to produce accurate legal documents with minimal supervision.
• Specific experience supporting a Labor & Employment focused practice preferred.
• Experience supporting a Litigation practice, including filing in state and federal courts, required.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Office Suite and legal document management software with the ability to transcribe legal documents, correspondence, and reports from rough draft, dictation, or transcription at a level of at least 30 wpm.
• Excellent proofreading and grammar skills.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Works independently and completes tasks with minimal supervision.
• Professional demeanor and ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of attorneys and staff.
• Committed to providing responsive client service.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in iManage, Aderant EA Pro, Intapp, or comparable legal software.

Hours and Location:

• 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
• Occasional hours outside of normally scheduled hours.
• 100% in-person.

Job ID: 284