Legal Department Assistant

ArentFox Schiff LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

ArentFox Schiff LLP in Washington, DC is seeking a Legal Department Assistant to provide entry-level administrative support to attorneys, paralegals, and staff in the assigned practice area.

Key duties include drafting and editing correspondence, handling filings, time keeping, conflict checks, travel coordination, and coordinating with shared services to complete tasks. A high school diploma is required; strong MS Office skills and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred.
• Previous work experience in a professional office environment preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to work in a team with attorneys, professionals, paralegals, staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication; detail oriented; multitask.
• Flexibility to work overtime during peak periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and edit correspondence, memoranda, and other legal documents from attorney drafts using standard firm templates.
• Utilize direct time and billing systems to submit attorney time and assist in preparing client invoices.
• Assist in coordination and submission of conflict checks, draft engagement letters, and opening of new client/matter numbers.
• Coordinate travel arrangements, schedule conference rooms and catering for meetings, book visitor offices for attorney travel.
• Prepare filings, government documentation or other materials for practice of team attorneys and paralegals.
• Arrange for assistance from administrative staff departments to complete assigned work.
• Process expense reimbursements for attorneys and paralegals using firm software.
• Possess or obtain a notary license in local jurisdiction if needed.

Skills

Teamwork

Verbal & written communication

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Overtime availability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

College degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We Are

ArentFox Schiff is an award-winning, globally recognized law firm that delivers sophisticated, innovative, and practical legal solutions to clients around the world. With more than 600 lawyers and policy professionals, ArentFox Schiff's expertise is sought out by Fortune 500s, start-ups, international governments, non-profits and trade associations, and private individuals. Our work spans highly complex, global matters as well as the deeply personal issues that shape the lives of individuals and communities.

Why Join Us

At ArentFox Schiff, we know that diverse backgrounds produce different perspectives, richer thinking, and more creative solutions to the challenges our clients face. We hope you share that vision. Join us and take on the challenge of doing meaningful work while helping us build upon a culture that reflects our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We base all of our employment decisions on merit and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected characteristic.

Job Description

The Legal Department Assistant is responsible for providing entry-level administrative assistance to attorneys, professionals, paralegals, and secretaries in support of the assigned practice area.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and edit correspondence, memoranda, and other legal documents from attorney drafts (handwritten and electronic) employing standard firm templates.

• Utilize direct time and billing systems to submit attorney time and assist in preparing client invoices.

• Assist in coordination and submission of conflict checks, preparation of draft engagement letters, and opening of new client and/or matter numbers.

• Coordinate travel arrangements, schedule conference rooms and catering for meetings, book visitor offices for attorney travel.

• Prepare filings, government documentation or other materials, as appropriate for practice of team attorneys, professionals, and/or paralegals.

• Arrange for assistance from administrative staff departments (e.g., Resource Center, Finance, Conflicts, House Services, and Office Services) as necessary to complete assigned work.

• Process expense reimbursements for attorneys, professionals, and/or paralegals, utilizing Firm standard software.

• Possess or ability to obtain a notary license in local jurisdiction.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as backup to neighborhood team members to support attorneys, professionals, paralegals, and/or secretaries.

• Perform other duties as assigned at the request of the Manager, attorneys, professionals, paralegals, and/or practice area secretaries.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent, college degree preferred.

• Previous work experience in a professional office environment is preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft software, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Ability to work in a team environment with attorneys, professionals, paralegals, staff, and other colleagues throughout the firm.

• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.

• Detail oriented and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.

• Flexibility in daily schedule to meet Firm needs during periods of heavy workload or special projects; availability to work scheduled overtime, as needed.

This is an hourly, non-exempt position that is eligible for a generous overtime plan that exceeds minimum legal requirements.

The anticipated good-faith base salary range for this position is:

• Washington, DC: $60,000 to $72,000 per year.

Your exact offer will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, your experience, skills, and overall qualifications. We also review compensation regularly against industry benchmarks and performance outcomes, so you can grow your career here with confidence—knowing your pay recognizes both your impact and our commitment to an equitable approach.

In addition to a competitive base salary, certain positions are eligible for a comprehensive performance-based bonus, payable monthly or annually.

Benefits

We know that the needs of our employees vary and can change throughout the different stages of life. That’s why we offer a wide array of flexible benefit options designed to help you live healthy, live well, and live for tomorrow. In addition to medical, dental, vision, profit-sharing, generous paid time off, and numerous other benefits, we also provide a flexible reimbursement account that helps pay for the things that contribute to your personal well-being, in your own way.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

ArentFox Schiff is committed to equal employment opportunity and diversity in the workplace. We base all employment decisions on merit and maintain a policy of considering all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, citizenship status, order of protection status, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, physical or mental disability, parental status, source of income, military or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other basis protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

* The job description is a general summary of the major duties. It may not specify all duties, tasks, and assignments associated with a job. It does not limit or in any way modify the right of management to direct, assign, and control the work of employees in a unit. Accuracy, attention to detail, ability to work effectively in a team environment, and ability to work in an atmosphere of multiple projects and shifting priorities are requirements of all jobs at ArentFox Schiff LLP. Additional job-related qualifications may be specified for some openings. Job descriptions are subject to periodic review and modification.