Legal Support Specialist

Sidley Austin LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP in Washington, DC, seeks an experienced Legal Support Specialist to provide executive-level administrative and operational support to the Environmental Practice Group, including direct support for the two co-leads. The role requires discretion, superior communication, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a high-profile legal environment.

Responsibilities include coordinating calendars, drafting correspondence, handling billing and matters intake, and arranging

Qualifications

• 5+ years of legal secretarial experience in a professional services or law firm.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and document management systems.
• Strong typing and document formatting skills (55+ wpm).

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level support to practice group co-leads, manage priorities and operations.
• Manage complex calendars, prepare correspondence and leadership communications.
• Support billing processes, time entry, proformas, and invoices.
• Coordinate domestic and international travel for attorneys.
• Assist with internal initiatives and cross-office coordination.

Skills

Legal secretarial experience

Typing 55 wpm

Document formatting

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Acrobat

Document management systems

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Legal Support Specialist to provide executive-level administrative and operational support to attorneys within the Environmental Practice Group, including direct support for two co-leads of the Environmental Practice Group. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, proactive problem-solver who exercises exceptional judgment, demonstrates outstanding communication and organizational skills, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-profile legal environment. This individual will serve as a trusted business partner to senior attorneys and practice leadership, managing competing priorities with professionalism, discretion, and a client-service mindset.

Duties and Responsibilities

Coordination & Operational Support

• Provide executive-level support to the co-leads of the Environmental Practice Group, including management of strategic priorities, coordination of leadership initiatives, and facilitation of practice group operations.
• Coordinate and manage sensitive and confidential communications, presentations, reports, and materials on behalf of practice group leadership.
• Assist practice group leadership with internal initiatives, business development activities, attorney onboarding, and cross-office coordination.
• Serve as a liaison between practice group leadership, attorneys, clients, firm leadership, and administrative departments.
• Support practice group meetings, retreats, and leadership calls, including agenda preparation, logistics coordination, meeting materials, and follow-up action items.
• Provide high-level administrative, executive, and operational support to attorneys and practice group leadership.

Communications & Calendar Management

• Manage complex executive calendars for practice group co-leads, including coordinating internal leadership meetings, client meetings, speaking engagements, conferences, and business development activities.
• Prioritize competing requests and independently make scheduling decisions based on business needs and attorney priorities.
• Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, presentations, and leadership communications.

Accounting & Billing

• Support billing processes, including time entry, review of proformas, and submission of invoices.
• Track budgets, prepare financial summaries, and monitor client billing arrangements.
• Coordinate with Accounting on utilization reports and compliance with engagement terms.
• Assist with new matter intake forms and conflict checks.

Travel Arrangements

• Coordinate complex domestic and international travel arrangements for attorneys and practice group leadership, including flights, accommodations, itineraries, conference registrations, and visas.
• Proactively resolve last-minute changes with urgency and professionalism.

Education and/or Experience

Required

• 5+ years of legal secretarial experience in a professional services or law firm environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and document management systems.
• Strong typing and document formatting skills (55+ wpm).

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Prior experience supporting senior executives, practice group leaders, or C-suite professionals in a law firm or professional services environment.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Executive Presence: Demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to interact effectively with senior leadership and high-profile clients.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple high-priority assignments, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations simultaneously.
• Strategic Support: Capable of anticipating leadership needs and proactively identifying administrative and operational solutions.
• Problem Solving: Anticipates needs, exercises sound judgment, and manages issues effectively.
• Interpersonal Skills: Builds trust and rapport with colleagues, attorneys, and clients.
• Ownership & Initiative: Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to operational excellence.
• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication, including professional correspondence.
• Discretion: Maintains strict confidentiality with sensitive information

#LI-EC1

The target salary range for this role is: $85,000 - $105,000 if located in Washington, D.C.

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.