Litigation Legal Assistant

Varnum LLP; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Varnum LLP, a Michigan-based full-service law firm, has a full-time Litigation Legal Assistant opening in Grand Rapids. The role is 100% in-person and requires 2–3 years of prior Legal Assistant experience, with attention to detail and client service.

The candidate should be organized and able to work independently or in a team. Essential duties include proofreading, document preparation, file management, calendar maintenance, and liaison with attorneys, clients, and couriers.

Qualifications

• Completion of high school.
• Bachelor's degree in legal studies or related field preferred.
• Two to three years Legal Assistant experience, demonstrating an understanding of law office policies and procedures and an ability to produce accurate legal documents with minimal supervision.
• Experience supporting a high-volume Litigation practice, including filing in state and federal courts, required.

Responsibilities

• Participates in a client-focused team displaying professionalism and excellent communication, under attorney direction.
• Proofreads and edits attorney time in the billing system; ensures accurate entry before monthly deadlines.
• Prepares correspondence, memos, pleadings, briefs, forms and other documents in proper legal form; files documents electronically and traditionally.
• Transcribes documents from dictation; proofs all documents for accuracy and professional appearance.
• Opens new files; performs conflicts checks and maintains all client and general files neatly.
• Maintains calendars for all case-related dates and prepares documents for appointments.
• Drafts and delivers engagement letters.
• Manages mail, couriers, and delivery of documents and projects.
• Answers calls courteously; routes messages and answers non-legal questions.
• Closes inactive files per policy and destruction guidelines.
• Requests checks for filing fees and reimbursements.
• Assists with overflow work and coverage as needed.
• Attends staff meetings and other required trainings.
• Performs general office duties and maintains confidentiality.

Skills

MS Office

Transcription

Proofreading

Organization

Independent work

Client service

Confidentiality

Communication

Team player

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in legal studies

Tools

iManage

Aderant EA Pro

Intapp

Job description

Litigation Legal Assistant - Grand Rapids

Varnum LLP, a Michigan-based, full-service law firm with over 225 attorneys and 6 offices, has a full-time opening for an experienced Legal Assistant supporting the Litigation practice team in our Grand Rapids office. We are seeking a candidate who is organized and displays keen attention to detail, with a superb commitment to client service. This individual should be comfortable working independently, as well as part of a team. This role is 100% in-person and requires at least 2-3 years of prior Legal Assistant experience.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in a client-focused team displaying professionalism, excellent communication skills, and exercising personal judgment under the ultimate direction of assigned attorneys.
• Proofreads and edits attorney time in the billing system; ensures accurate entry of complete information before each monthly deadline.
• Prepares correspondence, memos, pleadings, briefs, forms and other documents in proper legal form; files legal documents with appropriate attachments, both electronically and via traditional filing methods.
• Transcribes documents from dictation; proofreads and edits all documents to ensure accuracy and professional appearance.
• Opens and creates new files, performs conflict of interest checks through conflicts control system, and maintains all electronic and physical client and general files in a neat and orderly condition.
• Maintains appointment and deadline reminder calendars (docket) for all case-related dates, including but not limited to appointments, deadlines, and follow-up dates. Prepares necessary documents, copies, and binders for all appointments.
• Drafts, finalizes, and delivers engagement letters.
• Receives, reads, and routes incoming postal mail. Arranges for the proper delivery of documents/projects via courier runs, hand-deliveries, Federal Express, UPS, Express Mail, etc.; provides complete information to courier for delivery.
• Answers telephone calls in a courteous and professional manner; forwards messages to the intended parties; answers non-legal questions. Places phone calls as needed or requested.
• Closes inactive files in a timely manner and in accordance with the Record Retention & Destruction Policy and Guideline.
• Requests checks for filing fees, etc. and attorneys' business expense reimbursements.
• Assists with legal assistant work overflow or absence coverage as time permits or needs dictate and as requested by other attorneys, paralegals, or Human Resources representatives.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions and other required employee meetings.
• Copying, typing, scanning, faxing and any other general office duty as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality in all firm and client matters.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Completion of high school.
• Bachelor's degree in legal studies or related field preferred.

Experience:

• Two to three years Legal Assistant experience, demonstrating an understanding of law office policies and procedures and an ability to produce accurate legal documents with minimal supervision.
• Experience supporting a high-volume Litigation practice, including filing in state and federal courts, required.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficient in MS Office Suite and legal document management software with the ability to transcribe legal documents, correspondence, and reports from rough draft, dictation, or transcription at a level of at least 30 wpm.
• Excellent proofreading and grammar skills.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Works independently and completes tasks with minimal supervision.
• Professional demeanor and ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of attorneys and staff.
• Committed to providing responsive client service.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in iManage, Aderant EA Pro, Intapp, or comparable legal software.

Hours and Location:

• 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
• Occasional hours outside of normally scheduled hours.
• 100% in-person.

Job ID: 287