Paralegal

Spencer Fane LLP; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Spencer Fane LLP in Phoenix, AZ is seeking an experienced paralegal to support multiple attorneys in the Family Law group. This role handles document drafting, research, calendar management, filings, and confidentiality in a fast-paced environment.

The position requires excellent organization, time management, and discretion. It offers a hybrid work arrangement (3 days in office after 90 days) and an hourly compensation range of $51.28–$57.69, with potential for growth and exposure to complex

Qualifications

• A minimum of ten (10) years of administrative assistant experience is required.
• A minimum of four (4) years of experience working in a legal environment is required.
• Litigation experience is required.
• Experience with Family Law is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interacts with staff at all levels in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient.
• Deliver exceptional client service both internally and externally in a professional manner with discretion and confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with other shared services departments.
• Independently use sound judgment and initiative to develop project timelines; anticipate business needs of timekeepers; prioritize assignments, meet deadlines.
• Coordinate client meetings, schedule, prepare agendas and draft minutes.
• Assist in drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements and resolutions.
• Prepare documents for filing with appropriate court or state agencies as needed.
• Research statutes, rules, orders, regulations, judicial decisions and other legal resources; review and assist in research and due diligence; provide written analysis as needed.
• Summarize records and organization of information in document management system.
• Check citations, proofread documents, and collect exhibits.
• Track and record time in time entry system to ensure services provided are appropriately documented.
• Utilize practice group specific software.
• Interview clients and expert witnesses and prepare summary of statements.
• Perform general administrative tasks such as mailings, file retrieval, payment processing and email management; provide billing support as needed.
• Annual 1400-hour billable requirement.
• May conduct initial client interviews.
• Understanding of technical legal terminology.
• Proactively demonstrate effective teamwork and provide assistance to other timekeepers as time permits.
• Participate in firm pilot groups, initiatives and roll-outs; Super-user.
• Responsible for supplemental training of new paralegal support staff; acts as a mentor for others.
• Match paralegal support needs of team with appropriate resources.
• Independently perform a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from timekeepers and/or supervisor.
• Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job.

Skills

Administrative experience

Legal environment experience

Litigation experience

Family Law

Education

Paralegal certificate

Undergraduate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Document management systems

Billing systems

Job description

LOCATION

Phoenix, AZ (hybrid work environment with 3 days/week in office following the first 90 days)

REPORTS TO

Regional Office Administrator

POSITION SUMMARY

This position provides paralegal support to multiple attorneys within the Family Law practice group. Serving as a central resource, the Paralegal ensures that client matters are handled with precision and confidentiality. The role is responsible for a variety of billable tasks, from document drafting and research to complex calendar management and filings. The individual will be working in a dynamic environment that requires excellent organization, research, writing, problem-solving and time management skills.

COMPENSATION

At Spencer Fane, we carefully consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, including but not limited to location, skillset, experience, training, licenses, certifications and other business or organizational needs. Compensation will be determined based on the above factors along with the requirements of the position. We expect the hourly rate for this position to be between $51.28 and $57.69.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interacts with staff at all levels in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient.
• Deliver exceptional client service both internally and externally in a professional manner with discretion and confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with other shared services departments.
• Independently use sound judgment and initiative to develop project timelines; anticipate business needs of timekeepers; prioritize assignments, meet deadlines.
• Coordinate client meetings, schedule, prepare agendas and draft minutes.
• Assist in drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements and resolutions.
• Prepare documents for filing with appropriate court or state agencies as needed.
• Research statutes, rules, orders, regulations, judicial decisions and other legal resources; review and assist in research and due diligence; provide written analysis as needed.
• Summarize records and organization of information in document management system.
• Check citations, proofread documents, and collect exhibits.
• Track and record time in time entry system to ensure services provided are appropriately documented.
• Utilize practice group specific software.
• Interview clients and expert witnesses and prepare summary of statements.
• Perform general administrative tasks such as mailings, file retrieval, payment processing and email management; provide billing support as needed.
• Annual 1400-hour billable requirement.
• May conduct initial client interviews.
• Understanding of technical legal terminology.
• Proactively demonstrate effective teamwork and provide assistance to other timekeepers as time permits.
• Participate in firm pilot groups, initiatives and roll-outs; Super-user.
• Responsible for supplemental training of new paralegal support staff; acts as a mentor for others.
• Match paralegal support needs of team with appropriate resources.
• Independently perform a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from timekeepers and/or supervisor.
• Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Paralegal certificate and/or undergraduate degree highly preferred but not required.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years of administrative assistant experience is required. A minimum of four (4) years of experience working in a legal environment (law firm or in-house legal department) is required. Litigation experience is required. Experience with Family Law is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel); Experience with drafting business documents and professional emails preferred; experience with document management systems and Adobe Acrobat preferred; experience with billing time to clients preferred.
• Organizational & Time Management Skills: Ability to organize files, manage routine tasks, and handle multiple assignments while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Judgment, Initiative & Prioritization: Applies sound judgment, initiative, and basic prioritization skills to complete assigned tasks accurately and on time, following established procedures. Ability to prioritize and coordinate projects and cases for more than one attorney simultaneously.
• Communication & Collaboration: Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills; ability to work effectively with attorneys, paralegals, clients, and administrative staff. Must cope successfully with demands from attorneys and remain calm under pressure.
• Confidentiality & Professionalism: Demonstrates discretion, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily performed in an office environment with frequent interaction across attorneys, paralegals, and administrative teams.
• Occasional travel to court, other office locations, or external administrative sites may be required.
• Work hours are generally standard business hours; occasional evenings or weekends may be required to meet deadlines or support urgent matters.
• Fast-paced, collaborative environment requiring adaptability, strong attention to detail, and effective prioritization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods while performing administrative duties.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. for filing, document handling, or office materials.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions, including typing, filing, and scanning.
• Occasional bending, reaching, and handling of office equipment.
• Adequate visual and auditory ability to accurately review legal documents, read computer screens, printed materials, and communicate effectively.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.