Legal Practice Assistant (Paralegal) - Class of 2027

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Learning & development

Well-being programs

Job summary

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP seeks Legal Practice Assistants to join offices in Boston, Chicago, Houston, New York, Palo Alto, Washington, DC, and Wilmington in June 2027. This entry-level role provides diversified administrative support within the Paralegal Services Department and direct contact with attorneys and staff.

These roles are office-based with five days per week attendance through 2027, with potential changes after that depending on location.

Qualifications

• Strong computer skills with Outlook, Word, Excel; ability to learn new software
• Ability to navigate various electronic databases and document repositories
• Strong research skills with access to research tools
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational and planning skills
• Effective interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Ability to organize and prioritize work under pressure
• Willingness to travel and adjust hours as needed

Responsibilities

• Assists with preparation and court filing of pleadings and other papers
• Assists with retrieval of rules, regulations and company profiles
• Helps with document productions, transactions and closings
• Prepares for interviews, depositions, hearings, trials and client meetings
• Performs non-legal research using multiple research tools and databases
• Updates attorney and case/deal team binders
• Organizes and manages electronic and paper files
• Maintains file integrity and department protocols
• Performs quality control of documents
• Supports paralegals and attorneys across practice areas
• Demonstrates professional communication and teamwork
• Handles multiple projects and shifts priorities

Skills

MS Office

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Discretion & confidentiality

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients' legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world's major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking Legal Practice Assistants to join our firm in our Boston, Chicago, Houston, New York City, Palo Alto, Washington, DC, and Wilmington, DE offices in June 2027.

These are office-based roles requiring attendance in the office five days per week through 2027. After that, attendance remains five days or moves to four days in office (with one remote day), depending on office location. Requirements are subject to change based on business needs.

Legal Practice Assistants provide diversified administrative case/deal support within the Paralegal Services Department. This is the entry-level position within the department which involves direct contact with attorneys and other business services professionals.

Please submit a cover letter and resume, including your GPA, and indicate your preferred office location when applying to this position.

The interview process will consist of a first-round interview conducted via Webex, Skadden's virtual meeting platform, followed by second-round interviews conducted in person at a Skadden office. Please note that Skadden will not reimburse any travel expenses incurred.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the preparation and court filing of pleadings and other court papers, as needed.
• Assists with retrieval of rules, regulations and company profiles, as needed.
• Assists with document productions, transactions and/or closings.
• Assists with preparation for interviews, depositions, hearings, trials and/or client meetings.
• Performs non-legal research using various research tools, including the Internet, Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER and other court-related websites for case law, statutes, articles, books, etc.
• Updates attorney and case/deal team binders.
• Organizes and manages electronic and paper files.
• Ensures that all files are maintained with Department-approved protocols and case management systems.
• Maintains the integrity of client files.
• Performs quality control of documents.
• Assists paralegals and attorneys across practice areas.
• Performs frequent physical exertion including: sitting, repetitive use of both hands, lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly.
• Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with relevant Firm computer software (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel) with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Ability to navigate various electronic databases and document repositories
• Strong research skills and proficiency in using various research tools
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational and planning skills
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to assume progressive responsibilities within assigned work as experience is gained in the position
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgement
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Flexibility to travel and adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree

Culture & Life at Skadden

What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit: https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law. This position is eligible for overtime pay and may be eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus.

Salary Details

$65,000

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Alex Taylor at [phone].

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

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Transparency in Coverage

Applicants Have Rights Under California Law

Applicants Have Rights Under California Law

Skadden will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.