Legal Support Senior Assistant (Litigation)

Sidley Austin LLP; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP in Dallas seeks a detail‑oriented administrative professional to support lawyers with travel, scheduling, billing and document management. You will arrange U.S. and foreign travel, prepare itineraries, maintain calendars, coordinate meetings and manage client files.

Strong organizational skills, discretion and proficiency in Microsoft Word are essential. The role involves proofreading, time entry, and liaison with Accounting to track bills in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 3+ years of related experience.
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Word and legal formats.

Responsibilities

• Arrange U.S. and foreign travel, track expenses, and prepare itineraries.
• Manage reimbursements for firm and client expenses using the accounting system.
• Maintain electronic calendars and schedule meetings, luncheons, and room bookings.
• Read and prioritize emails; file and archive correspondence; monitor spam.
• Maintain Outlook contacts for assigned lawyers.
• Support client matter files using Records Management system.
• Coordinate billing with Accounting; review new business forms and conflicts.
• Draft and time-track entries for lawyers; proofread documents.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Interpersonal communication

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Job description

Duties And Responsibilities

• Manages U.S. & Foreign travel arrangements by securing and finalizing air, hotel, rail and car reservations and ensuring accuracy in scheduling all aspects of travel. Prepares and tracks travel expense reports and other business related expenses using the electronic Accounting system and prepares detailed itineraries.
• Manages and tracks reimbursements of other firm and client related expenses, such as entertainment, recruiting, etc. using the electronic Accounting system.
• Maintains electronic calendar of meetings and appointments, and proactively advises lawyers of responsibilities in advance of commitment. Coordinates luncheons and schedules conference rooms for meetings using the electronic room scheduler.
• Reads, responds and highlights emails of importance and keeps lawyers apprised of pressing matters. Develops and maintains email filing system and ensures proper archiving of same. Monitors spam folder for work related emails.
• Inputs and maintains contacts in Outlook for assigned lawyers, pursuant to lawyer's preference.
• Maintains list of principal contacts or working group lists for each client and matter.
• Receives, screens and transmits telephone calls to lawyers and takes messages as necessary, with recognition of and attention to the particular needs of clients. Schedules conference calls for lawyers and effectively manages conflicting appointments. Conveys all necessary information needed and assists with conference/video calls as requested.
• Creates, maintains and updates all client litigation files on a daily basis in accordance with standards set by the Records Management Center using the electronic Records Management database and maintains other files as needed. Must have thorough knowledge of indexing litigation files. Maintains current files for all correspondence.
• Facilitates work with the Accounting Department to coordinate and manage tracking of client bills, analyze billing data, and respond to client inquiries/requests. Processes, tracks and apprises status of new business forms, new client/matter reports and conflict of interest checks.
• Drafts, inputs and tracks daily time entries for lawyers in electronic Time Billing System, and proofreads and edits time entries for accuracy.
• Proofreads and revise all documents, including engagement letters, PowerPoint presentations, memoranda, audit letters, client deliverables, and other correspondence, etc., for accuracy of copy, grammar, punctuation and syntax, and drafts correspondence.
• Coordinates and quality checks work performed by Support Services for prompt production and delivery of documents.
• Proactively coordinates meal arrangements for lawyers, including ordering and facilitating delivery logistics, as needed.
• Manage lawyers’ CLEs to ensure hours are accurate and reported appropriately
• Performs other job-related duties such as compiling notebooks and exhibits, and preparing documents in connection with bar association activities. Also performs other administrative tasks as needed.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Manages U.S. & Foreign travel arrangements by securing and finalizing air, hotel, rail and car reservations and ensuring accuracy in scheduling all aspects of travel. Prepares and tracks travel expense reports and other business related expenses using the electronic Accounting system and prepares detailed itineraries.
• Manages and tracks reimbursements of other firm and client related expenses, such as entertainment, recruiting, etc. using the electronic Accounting system.
• Maintains electronic calendar of meetings and appointments, and proactively advises lawyers of responsibilities in advance of commitment. Coordinates luncheons and schedules conference rooms for meetings using the electronic room scheduler.
• Reads, responds and highlights emails of importance and keeps lawyers apprised of pressing matters. Develops and maintains email filing system and ensures proper archiving of same. Monitors spam folder for work related emails.
• Inputs and maintains contacts in Outlook for assigned lawyers, pursuant to lawyer's preference.
• Maintains list of principal contacts or working group lists for each client and matter.
• Receives, screens and transmits telephone calls to lawyers and takes messages as necessary, with recognition of and attention to the particular needs of clients. Schedules conference calls for lawyers and effectively manages conflicting appointments. Conveys all necessary information needed and assists with conference/video calls as requested.
• Creates, maintains and updates all client litigation files on a daily basis in accordance with standards set by the Records Management Center using the electronic Records Management database and maintains other files as needed. Must have thorough knowledge of indexing litigation files. Maintains current files for all correspondence.
• Facilitates work with the Accounting Department to coordinate and manage tracking of client bills, analyze billing data, and respond to client inquiries/requests. Processes, tracks and apprises status of new business forms, new client/matter reports and conflict of interest checks.
• Drafts, inputs and tracks daily time entries for lawyers in electronic Time Billing System, and proofreads and edits time entries for accuracy.
• Proofreads and revise all documents, including engagement letters, PowerPoint presentations, memoranda, audit letters, client deliverables, and other correspondence, etc., for accuracy of copy, grammar, punctuation and syntax, and drafts correspondence.
• Coordinates and quality checks work performed by Support Services for prompt production and delivery of documents.
• Proactively coordinates meal arrangements for lawyers, including ordering and facilitating delivery logistics, as needed.
• Manage lawyers’ CLEs to ensure hours are accurate and reported appropriately
• Performs other job-related duties such as compiling notebooks and exhibits, and preparing documents in connection with bar association activities. Also performs other administrative tasks as needed.

Required

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); three or more years of related work experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Word, legal terminology and formats (legal documents).

Preferred

• Law Firm Experience
• Bachelor’s degree
• Ability to type 50-60 wpm

Other Skills And Abilities

• The use of good judgment and strong interpersonal communication skills
• Well-developed analytical and problem solving skills
• The ability to execute multiple projects effectively and efficiently
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Works harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a team
• Exercises confidentiality and discretion
• Possesses impeccable grammar skills and proofreads accurately

The Target Salary Range For This Role Is

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.