Legal Practice Assistant (Chicago)

Jenner & Block; Illinois; On-site; USD 65,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Jenner & Block LLP in Chicago seeks a Legal Practice Assistant to support several lawyers with a variety of administrative duties. This non-exempt role runs 8:30am to 5:00pm (CT), Monday through Friday, with additional hours as needed.

You will handle time entry, billing coordination, travel and meeting logistics, document preparation, file management, and client correspondence, while maintaining confidentiality and delivering high-quality service.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Windows 11 and Microsoft Office.
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work overtime as needed.
• LTC4 or MOS certification preferred.
• College degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently and in a team with a customer service focus.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Input attorney time into WebTime and educate timekeepers on requirements.
• Collaborate with Billing on the billing cycle and content edits.
• Prepare attorney expense reimbursements and process vendor invoices.
• Sort mail, route tasks, and coordinate courier services as needed.
• Coordinate meeting setup, calls, Zoom, and in-person meetings.
• Maintain calendars and Outlook filing systems.
• Prepare legal documents and finalize briefs with proper formatting.
• Proofread memoranda and ensure consistent styles.

Skills

Windows 11

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Time management

Customer service

Communication skills

Education

College degree

Tools

WebTime

Job description

Jenner & Block LLP is a law firm with a fearless reputation and global reach, high-level problem solvers in litigation, government controversies, investigations, regulatory challenges, and complex corporate transactions. With offices in Century City, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, the firm represents a wide range of clients, counseling Fortune 100 companies, large privately held corporations, major nonprofits, top universities, private equity investors, and Native American tribes. Consistently recognized as a firm that stands up for its values with its commitment to justice and community service, Jenner has been named the No. 1 pro bono firm 13 times in the United States by The American Lawyer.

Jenner & Block offers a comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), and paid time off, in addition to other offerings.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Legal Practice Assistant, working under the supervision of the Manager of Administration will take direction from and operate in support of several lawyers in the performance of a variety of administrative duties as assigned. The Legal Practice Assistant is a non‑exempt position. The hours are 8:30am - 5:00pm (CT) Monday ‑ Friday and additional hours as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Receive assignments from partners, associates, and lawyers and perform tasks as requested; update requestor regarding receipt and status of tasks/projects and consistently meet agreed upon deadlines.
• Input attorney time into the WebTime time entry program. Educate timekeepers about appropriate time entry requirements and standards.
• Work with the Billing department in all aspects of the billing cycle, including but not limited to the review of client billing for accuracy, edits to content/grammar; resolution of billing problems; and efficient changes to the process.
• Prepare attorney expense reimbursements and process client‑related vendor invoices for payment.
• Sort, open, prioritize and route incoming mail. Prepare outgoing mail including U.S.P.S., U.P.S. and Federal Express. Coordinate messenger pick‑ups and deliveries when necessary.
• Coordinate attorneys’ firm and client‑related meeting set‑ups, including but not limited to conference calls, zoom meetings and in‑person meetings.
• Maintain calendar and contacts for attorneys. Maintain electronic filing system via Outlook.
• Perform document conversions, e.g., PDF to Word, etc.
• Handle telephone calls from internal and external sources including taking accurate messages and appropriately routing calls.
• Coordinate prints, scans and duplicating projects with Digital Document Center or Print/Mail Centers.
• Coordinate travel arrangements (air, hotel, rail, car rental and black car) with firm‑provided travel agency.
• Coordinate the New Matter Intake process. Prepare, finalize, and distribute new client Engagement Letters, New Business Memo, etc. Including follow‑up with client to ensure receipt of fully executed Engagement Letter. Initiate Conflicts Checks.
• Maintain physical client files including creation of records via records software.
• Prepare inactive case files and attorney materials for off‑site storage.
• Perform other related duties, special projects, and assignments as required.
• Assist other administrative assistants in back‑up support and vacation coverage.
• Assist with the preparation of presentation materials for firm and client audiences.
• Prepare correspondence, memoranda, and legal documents such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas from various sources of origination (handwritten, typed copy, electronic copy, tape transcription, etc.).
• Finalize legal briefs by ensuring styles are consistent throughout and preparing Table of Contents and Table of Authority, and redlining documents.
• Proofread memoranda and factual and legal documents.
• General understanding of the litigation process or practice group transaction from case or transaction inception to closure.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Proficient in basic computer applications including Windows 11 and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet business needs. Able to work overtime as needed.
• LTC4 or Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification preferred.
• College degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated willingness to take initiative and ability to work both independently and in a team environment with a customer service focus.
• Skilled in collaborating with staff/team members in a complex matrix management environment and managing associate, attorney, and paralegal expectations.
• Discernment to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally in a fast‑paced and deadline driven environment.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and in writing.
• Great client service skills, including being comfortable interacting with firm clients.
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to effectively prioritize workload, and strong attention to detail.
• Must be able to follow directions.
• Sound business judgment.
• Proven ability to multi‑task.
• Demonstrated foresight to anticipate lawyers’ needs.

Disclaimer

Additional Duties

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the primary duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all tasks or responsibilities that may be assigned. The role may include additional duties, specialized projects, and other tasks as required. The firm reserves the right to modify or adjust the responsibilities to meet business needs.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including the ability to commute to the office as required on designated in‑office days based on the position. The firm is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Eligibility Requirement

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Jenner will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

EEO Statement

Jenner & Block LLP is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment and employment decisions are not made on the basis of an individual’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, non‑disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, arrest record, matriculation, personal appearance, political affiliation, marital, parental, veteran, military, or order of protection status, or any other protected status or that of their relatives, friends, or associates.

Jenner & Block is proud to offer a competitive total rewards package, including comprehensive health & well‑being benefits and 401k profit sharing. The anticipated pay range for this role is $65,000 to $115,000 in Chicago. The actual offered rate for this position will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, external market data, and consideration of internal equity.