Legal Support Specialist (Litigation)

Sidley Austin; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP in Texas seeks an experienced legal administrative assistant to provide executive-level support to partners. The role requires proactive workflow management, calendar coordination, travel arrangements, and close liaison with clients.

The candidate should have a high school diploma, 3+ years of relevant experience, familiarity with Word and legal terminology, and the ability to type 50–60 wpm. The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package and bonus eligibility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 3+ years of related work experience.
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Word, legal terminology and formats.
• Preferred: Law Firm Experience, Bachelor's degree, ability to type 50-60 wpm.

Responsibilities

• Manages U.S. & Foreign travel arrangements and prepares travel expense reports.
• Tracks reimbursements of expenses using the electronic Accounting system.
• Maintains electronic calendar and coordinates meetings with lawyers.
• Reads, responds to emails and maintains an organized email filing system.
• Inputs and maintains contacts in Outlook for assigned lawyers.
• Maintains client litigation files and records management.
• Coordinates and quality checks work with Accounting on client bills.
• Drafts, inputs and tracks daily time entries and proofreads documents.
• Coordinates meals and assists with conference/meeting logistics.
• Performs other job-related duties as needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Discretion

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

Provides lawyers and other legal personnel with executive-level administrative and secretarial assistance and support; ability to proactively manage all aspects of high-level professionals in a fast paced environment; coordinates and maintains effective office procedures and efficient work flow; follows policies and procedures set by the Firm; establishes and maintains harmonious working relationships with top level management, supervisors, co-workers, and clients by performing the following:

• 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.

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• 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:

In addition to the above, the following may also be required of the successful candidate:

• 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

#LI-GK1

The target salary range for this role is:

$68,600 - $87,500 if located in Texas.

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.