Legal Assistant

McKinley Irvin PLLC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 32,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Health savings account

Vision insurance

Commuter Benefit

401(k) matching

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Job summary

McKinley Irvin PLLC is seeking a Legal Assistant to provide essential administrative and clerical support to attorneys and paralegals in the Washington, DC area. You will organize client documents, prepare and process legal filings, maintain accurate records, and ensure timely communication with clients and the legal team.

The role requires 2–3 years of legal assistant experience (preferably in family law), strong deadlines management, and excellent communication, with onsite hours 8:00 AM–5:00

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years of experience as a legal assistant, with strong preference for family law.
• Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and discretion.
• Paralegal certificate is preferred but not required.
• Must be able to work onsite during regular office hours (8:00 AM-5:00 PM, PST).

Responsibilities

• Organize and manage client documents, prepare and process legal filings, and maintain accurate records for matters.
• Open and maintain client files within firm procedures, ensuring required information is captured consistently.
• Review and reconcile incoming documents against file requirements and follow up on missing records.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical file organization throughout the matter lifecycle.
• Provide reception backup, greet clients and visitors, and manage multi-line phone calls.
• Coordinate conference room scheduling and support routine administrative needs.

Skills

Legal deadlines

Communication

Organization

Attention to detail

Discretion

On-site readiness

Education

Paralegal certificate (preferred)

Job description

Job Description

The Legal Assistant provides essential administrative and clerical support to attorneys and paralegals. Responsible for organizing and managing client documents, preparing and processing legal filings, and ensuring effective communication with clients and legal team members. The Legal Assistant plays a key role in maintaining accurate records, meeting deadlines, and supporting the efficient operation of the team.

Key Outcomes & Deliverables

• Accurate and well-organized client files
• Open and maintain client files within firm procedures, ensuring required information and documentation are captured consistently.
• Organize and index client documents, including financial records and supporting documentation, so information can be located efficiently.
• Review and reconcile incoming documents against file requirements and follow up on missing or incomplete records.
• Maintain accurate electronic and physical file organization throughout the life of each matter.
• Timely and accurate legal filings and correspondence
• Prepare and process standard pleadings, notices, and legal correspondence using approved firm procedures and templates.
• File and serve documents accurately and within applicable deadlines, confirming completion when required.
• Track filing and service activity, deadlines, and required follow-up to prevent missed or incomplete submissions.
• Maintain organized records of filed and served documents for easy reference by the legal team.
• Reliable case and deadline support
• Monitor and prioritize administrative requests and case-related assignments to support attorneys' and paralegals' deadlines and workflow.
• Coordinate routine administrative needs, document requests, and file-related follow-up to keep matters moving efficiently.
• Anticipate and communicate outstanding administrative requirements, missing information, or upcoming deadlines to the appropriate team members.
• Maintain current case files and administrative records so attorneys and paralegals can rely on accurate information.

Exceptional client, employee, and visitor experience

• *May occasionally provide reception backup
• Greet clients, visitors, and vendors in a warm, professional, and timely manner.
• Provide accurate information regarding firm contacts, directions, and resources.
• Ensure visitors are directed appropriately and assisted promptly upon arrival.
• Coordinate conference room scheduling to support seamless meetings and client interactions.
• Manage, order, and restock office supplies.
• Answer and direct multi-line phone calls professionally, warmly and efficiently, maintaining minimal unanswered calls and voicemails.

Consistent and effective client communication

• Coordinate delivery of client communications and legal documents using the client's designated or preferred communication method.
• Confirm accurate recipient information and appropriate delivery methods before transmitting sensitive or case-related materials.
• Document outgoing communications and deliveries when tracking or confirmation is required.
• Follow up on unsuccessful or incomplete deliveries to ensure important communications reach the intended recipient.

Compensation & Benefits

• Full range
• Hourly Rate $23.00-$34.55
• Expected Hiring Range
• Hourly Rate $23.00-$30.00*Eligible for discretionary annual bonus
• 401(k)401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
• Commuter Benefit

All inquiries will be treated confidentially. McKinley Irvin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our Philosophy

We believe families are the root of civilization, that healthy families create healthy communities, and that communities are the foundation of the country. Therefore, by helping one family at a time, we better our society as a whole.

Requirements:

• Minimum 2-3 years of experience as a legal assistant, with strong preference for family law experience.
• Proven ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and discretion.
• Paralegal certificate is preferred but not required.
• Must be able to work onsite during regular office hours (8:00 AM-5:00 PM, PST).