Legal Assistant

Michael Best; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP in Austin, TX seeks a proactive Legal Assistant to support timekeepers in the Transactional practice area. The role involves calendar management, client intake, document drafting, and billing support across multiple practice groups.

Candidates should have a high school diploma (or equivalent) with five years’ legal experience. Strong organizational, communication, and confidentiality skills are essential; ability to work in the office four days per week.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in a legal environment, preferably in the transactional practice area.
• High School Diploma or equivalent; certificate or degree preferred.
• Ability and willingness to work in the office four days per week.
• Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team.
• Exceptional communication skills via phone, email and in-person.
• Strong organizational and process skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage an active calendar of appointments, meetings, video calls and travel plans on behalf of attorneys
• Process new client/matter documentation including initiation of conflict checks, input information into Firm's new business intake system and prepare engagement letters to clients
• Compose and prepare confidential correspondence
• Transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, billings and reports
• Maintain and organize both hard-copy and electronic files
• Respond and resolve questions or concerns from clients and other attorneys in a timely and professional manner
• Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into Firm’s expense management software, Emburse
• Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers
• Create reports using Excel
• Communicate with clients as to billing issues and status of matters
• Track and file continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff
• Provide assistance in civic, charitable, community, and professional activities

Skills

Organizational skills

Excellent communication

Detail-oriented

Team player

Multitasking

Proactive

Discretion with confidential info

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Certificate or Undergraduate Degree strongly preferred

Tools

iManage or similar document management

DocuSign or similar e-signature

iTimekeep or similar time management

Emburse or similar expense software

Electronic billing software

Job description

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is looking for a proactive and highly organized Legal Assistant to join our Austin, TX office! The Legal Assistant will provide legal and administrative support to timekeepers in the Transactional practice area. Prior experience as a Legal Assistant and experience supporting Transactional, Corporate or Litigation attorneys is required.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage an active calendar of appointments, meetings, video calls and travel plans on behalf of attorneys
• Process new client/matter documentation including initiation of conflict checks, input information into Firm's new business intake system and prepare engagement letters to clients
• Compose and prepare confidential correspondence
• Transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, billings and reports
• Maintain and organize both hard-copy and electronic files
• Respond and resolve questions or concerns from clients and other attorneys in a timely and professional manner
• Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into Firm’s expense management software, Emburse
• Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers
• Create reports using Excel
• Communicate with clients as to billing issues and status of matters
• Track and file continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff
• Provide assistance in civic, charitable, community, and professional activities

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Certificate or Undergraduate Degree strongly preferred
• Five years of experience in a legal environment, preferably in the transactional practice area
• Ability and willingness to work in the office four days per week
• Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team across various practice groups
• Exceptional communication skills via phone, email and in-person
• Strong organizational and process skills, focused attention on detail, and ability to spot inaccuracies and inconsistencies in documents
• Technology literacy and willingness to learn new technologies and software
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience in the following software a plus:
• iManage or similar electronic document management system
• DocuSign or similar e-signature program
• iTimekeep or similar electronic time management system
• Emburse or similar expense report and reimbursement software
• Electronic billing software
• CourtAlert
• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position and Firm evolves
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and varying deadlines
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities, manage time effectively and exhibit excellent follow-up
• Team player mentality, with a desire to be a part of a collaborative, high-performing group
• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm
• Willingness and ability to work proactively in our Team Environment, across various groups and/or locations

Communication

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Problem Solving Skills

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems

Professionalism:

• Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

Other

• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln); and Washington DC. Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration; supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients. This position is based in our Austin, TX office.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

Learning and Growth

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs
• Medical
• Vision Care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness ProgramEmployee and Family Assistance Program

Total Compensation

• Competitive Base Pay
• Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay

Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

• Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate
• Performance Recognition

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Michael Best Strategies LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at [phone] or [e-mail] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.