Legal Assistant

Duane Morris LLP; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare

Commuter benefits/HSA and FSA

401k and Pension Plan

22 PTO days and 11 holidays

Employee Referral Bonus ($3,000)

Job summary

Duane Morris LLP in Miami is seeking a Trial Legal Assistant to support all aspects of litigation and trial preparation. You will manage document workflows, filings, scheduling, client liaison, and trial logistics, working under minimal supervision while ensuring compliance with firm policies.

The role requires 5+ years in a large law firm, fluency with Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, MS Office proficiency, and strong drafting/editing skills. Overtime may be necessary to meet trial deadlines.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of legal assistant experience, with at least 3 years in litigation/trial support.
• Knowledge of Florida Rules of Civil Procedure; ability to manage attorneys' litigation calendars.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and legal tech tools including iManage/FileSite and e-filing platforms.
• Typing speed of at least 70 wpm with accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication, and ability to draft/edit legal documents.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills; ability to handle multiple high-priority tasks and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Draft, edit, and proofread pleadings, discovery, motions, and correspondence.
• Electronically file documents in State and Federal Courts, including complex filings.
• Manage attorney calendars and court deadlines with proactive reminders.
• Coordinate client communications between clients, courts, and internal teams.
• Organize and maintain case files and trial binders.
• Assist in trial prep: exhibit lists, witness files, and on-site support.
• Process mail and coordinate with couriers to meet deadlines.
• Arrange attorney travel and prepare expense reports.
• Record billable time and assist with timekeeping and billing.
• Greet clients and visitors with professionalism and confidentiality.

Skills

Litigation support

Pleadings & discovery drafting

Memos / document drafting

Typing 70 wpm

Communication skills

Timekeeping & billing

Tools

iManage/FileSite

e-filing platforms

Time entry systems

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/Outlook)

Job description

OVERVIEW

Duane Morris LLP, a global law firm with 900 + attorneys in offices across the U.S. and around the world, offers innovative solutions to the legal and business challenges presented by today’s evolving global markets.

SUMMARY

Under minimal supervision and in accordance with firm policies and procedures, the Trial Legal Assistant will handle all aspects of litigation and trial preparation support, including document management, court filings, scheduling, and client coordination. The role requires advanced knowledge of litigation processes and the ability to anticipate attorney needs throughout all phases of case management, including trial.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Draft, edit, and proofread pleadings, discovery, motions, and correspondence, ensuring compliance with court rules and deadlines.
• Electronically file documents in State and Federal Courts, including last-minute and complex filings.
• Manage and monitor attorney calendars, court deadlines, and schedules, ensuring reminders and updates are communicated proactively.
• Handle client communications and serve as a liaison between clients, courts, and internal teams with professionalism.
• Organize and maintain case files (both electronic and physical), including discovery and trial binders.
• Assist in trial preparation: prepare exhibit lists, witness files, coordinate logistics, and provide on-site trial support when needed.
• Process incoming and outgoing mail; coordinate with couriers and overnight delivery services to meet filing and service deadlines.
• Arrange attorney travel and prepare detailed, accurate expense reports.
• Accurately record billable time and assist with timekeeping and billing processes.
• Greet clients and visitors, maintaining the highest level of discretion and confidentiality.

Additional Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with other legal assistants, paralegals, and administrative staff to support case teams and balance workloads.
• Provide overflow administrative assistance as needed.
• Perform other duties as requested by attorneys or the Office Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES)

• Minimum 5 years of legal assistant experience, with at least 3 years focused on litigation and trial support in a large law firm environment.
• Knowledgeable of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure; manage the litigation calendar for attorneys;
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and legal technology tools (iManage/FileSite, e-filing platforms, time entry systems}.
• Ability to type and transcribe at a minimum of 70 w.p.m. with accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft and edit legal documents and correspondence with precision.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple high priority tasks and meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Flexibility to work overtime as needed for trial schedules and case deadlines.

BENEFITS

• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, vision, and prescription plans.
• Commuter, HSA and FSA spending accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability and life insurance coverage
• 401k and Pension Plan
• 22 PTO days, 11 paid holidays
• Employee Referral Bonus ($3,000.00)

ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact Nate Maxwell at 215-979-1000.

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Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not a contract or employment agreement and is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all functions, responsibilities or requirements. In addition, Duane Morris reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate any benefit plan, in whole or in part, at any time. The authority to make such changes rests with the Plan Administrator