National law firm Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a proactive, highly organized, and tech-forward administrative support professional to join ourWilmington, North Carolinaoffice. This is an exciting and highly visible role supporting the North Carolina Managing Partner and firm’s National Strategic Growth Partner, whose practice focuses onGeneral Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Corporate Governance, Litigation (General),and related areas. The Legal Assistant will provide largely onsite (in-office) administrative and legal support to the Partner and his team, combining traditional executive-level coordination with substantive legal practice support including filings, matter intake, client communications, billing oversight, and document management. The ideal candidate brings strong communication skills, robust computer and technical skills, AI proficiency, law practice experience, a strong attention to detail, and an organized, proactive, and problem-solving mindset to a dynamic, client-facing role.
- Manage an active calendar of appointments, schedule meetings, video calls and travel plans on behalf of attorneys, ensuring optimal performance of the schedule
- Through excellent verbal and written communication, keep attorneys well informed and up to date on upcoming commitments and responsibilities
- Draft, review, and manage client-facing emails and professional communication, ensuring all external correspondence reflects a polished, professional tone
- Function as a client concierge responding to inquiries from clients, referral sources, and attorneys in a timely and professional manner, and assisting with client touchpoints and follow up
- Take business development notes on client calls
- 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
- Leverage AI tools and emerging technologies to streamline administrative workflows, enhance productivity, and improve the quality and efficiency of work product
- Compose and prepare confidential correspondence
- Draft, transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, billings and reports
- Maintain and organize both hard-copy and electronic files
- Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into Firm’s expense management software
- Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers and assist with reviewing prebills
- Communicate with clients as to billing issues and status of matters
- Update and maintain reports and trackers using Excel and/or Smartsheet
- Docket, track and create reports with litigation software, Court Alert
- E-file in North Carolina Courts and NC Secretary of State
- Track and file continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff
- Provide assistance in civic, charitable, community, and professional activities
- Provide backup coverage for the front desk as needed
Job Requirements
- This position will be based in our Wilmington office.
- 5+ years of experience working in a legal environment, preferably in the corporate transactional and litigation practice areas
- Preference given to those with experience with electronic filings or working knowledge of litigation process
- Ability and willingness to work in the office four to five days per week
- Exceptional communication skills via phone, email, and in-person, with the ability to represent attorneys and the firm effectively
- Ability to prioritize competing deadlines
- Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team across various practice groups
- Growth mindset
- Strong organizational and process skills, focused attention on detail, and ability to spot inaccuracies and inconsistencies in documents
- Demonstrated proficiency with AI-powered tools and platforms (e.g., Microsoft Copilot). Comfort adopting and integrating new AI technologies into daily workflows is essential and non-negotiable for this role.
- Proven technological savvy and willingness to learn new applications and software.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.
- Experience in the following software a plus:
- iManage or similar electronic document management system
- CourtAlert
- DocuSign or similar e-signature program
- iTimekeep or similar electronic time management system
- Emburse or similar expense report and reimbursement software
- Electronic billing software
- Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices - including AI and emerging technologies - 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 judgment, proactivity, and 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, with a strong ability to draft polished, professional correspondence for external audiences
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
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Valid authorization to work in the U.S.
Learning & Growth
Total Compensation
Planning for the Future
Culture & Workplace
Learning & Growth
We are committed to fostering an environment where every team member can thrive both personally and professionally. It's why we invest in and provide the following resources and guidance to help you grow your career with confidence.
- Challenging and Dynamic Role
- Professional Growth Opportunities
- Performance Management and Coaching
- Specialized Training Programs
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 (414) 271-6560 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.