Legal Practice Assistant

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP is seeking a collaborative Legal Practice Assistant in Palo Alto to provide high-level administrative and legal support with minimal supervision. The LPA will enable attorneys and clients to thrive through proactive service, professional execution, and strict confidentiality.

The role covers administrative excellence, legal support and execution, business development, and Work-to-Cash/financial operations, requiring strong knowledge of legal terminology and precise

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of legal terminology and practice-specific procedures.
• Familiarity with court and agency rules and deadlines.
• Excellent writing, communication, organization, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Proactively manage attorney calendars, scheduling, deadlines, reminders, and travel.
• Assist with emails, client communications, meetings, document preparation, mail and deliveries.
• Provide guidance on Firm systems and tools; stay updated on software changes.
• Deliver polished, professional service representing attorneys and practice groups.
• Collaborate with travel team for policy-compliant travel arrangements.
• Deliver high-quality legal support and manage workloads with proactive follow-up.
• Coordinate client matters, track reporting, and ensure timely updates.
• Develop document frames, format, edit, redline, and proofread documents.
• Maintain organized files across document and records systems.
• Support business development, client relationships, and CRM data accuracy.
• Handle Work-to-Cash processes: time entry, billing coordination, invoices.

Skills

Legal terminology

Practice-specific procedures

Court rules & deadlines

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description:

Legal Practice Assistant

Drive Operational Excellence.

At Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP , our people are our greatest asset. We're looking for a collaborative, detail-oriented Legal Practice Assistant to join our team and help deliver an exceptional employee experience.

In this role, the Legal Practice Assistant (LPA) delivers high-level administrative and legal support with minimal supervision, helping attorneys and clients thrive through proactive service, exceptional execution, and strong collaboration. Partnering across Firm departments and shared services, the LPA ensures outstanding, efficient, and consistent legal support while strengthening client relationships. As a member of the Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP Business Professionals team, the LPA champions the Firm's reputation through professionalism, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to confidentiality.

What You'll Do

Administrative Excellence

Proactively manage attorney calendars, scheduling, deadlines, reminders, and travel to keep priorities on track and operations seamless.

Manage emails, coordinate client communications, and facilitate meetings, document preparation, mail, and deliveries.

Provide technology guidance and stay current on Firm systems, tools, and software updates.

Deliver polished, professional service in every interaction, representing attorneys, practice groups, and the Firm with distinction.

Partner with the travel team to coordinate efficient, policy-compliant travel arrangements.

Legal Support & Execution

Deliver high-quality legal support that elevates client service and work product.

Anticipate attorney needs, monitor workloads and caseloads, and drive timely task completion through proactive follow-up.

Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and business professionals to coordinate client matters, track reporting, and ensure accurate, timely updates.

Develop document framework, format, edit, redline, and proofread legal documents and correspondence.

Maintain accurate, organized files across document and records management systems.

Follow applicable practice group leveling guidelines for role‑specific responsibilities.

Business Development & Client Growth

Advance attorney business development and client relationship goals through proactive, strategic support.

Maintain accurate CRM data, tracking client touchpoints, key contacts, prospects, and relationship developments.

Coordinate client events, conferences, roundtables, dinners, and networking opportunities, including thoughtful follow-up to strengthen engagement and Firm visibility.

Manage client gifts and holiday correspondence.

Support pitches, proposals, Foundation grant requests, attorney biographies, CLE materials, and conference presentations.

Work-to-Cash & Financial Operations

Support Work-to-Cash processes as assigned, including client intake, time entry, proforma review, billing coordination, invoice processing, and receivables.

Apply client billing rules and outside counsel guidelines to support accurate, timely billing.

Prepare and process check requests, expense reports, professional corporation documentation, and trust-related materials with accuracy and efficiency.

Teamwork, Innovation & Firm Citizenship

Maintain current, accurate desk references for assigned attorneys and support the successful integration of new Partners and Senior Counsel.

Work independently and collaboratively, contributing to team success through cross-training, knowledge sharing, and strong working relationships.

Manage assignments through Firm workflow tools, including timers and email functions, to promote visibility, accountability, and timely execution.

Leverage Firm resources and critical thinking to resolve issues, recommend solutions, streamline processes, and optimize workloads.

Partner with Shared Services to delegate work effectively and maximize Firm resources.

Complete required Legal Practice Assistant certifications and professional development within established timelines.

Champion the Firm's service values of impact, simplicity, and reliability while delivering exceptional client experiences and supporting Firm growth.

What You'll Bring

Candidates must demonstrate strong knowledge of legal terminology, practice-specific procedures, and applicable court and agency rules and deadlines.

Exceptional writing, communication, organization, and attention to detail are essential, along with the ability to prioritize competing demands, independently triage emails, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

Excellent English-language skills, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and document formatting.

Strong interpersonal skills, initiative, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to collaborate across teams.

Typing speed of 75 WPM and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Adaptability to client-specific technology platforms, including Google Workspace.

Dependability, punctuality, a strong work ethic