Practice Assistant

Ogletree Deakins; Birmingham (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401(k) plan with employer matching

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Ogletree Deakins, a leading labor and employment law firm, is seeking a Practice Assistant for our Detroit office in Birmingham, MI. The role provides secretarial and administrative support to multiple attorneys and assists in delivering high-quality legal services.

Responsibilities include document preparation, calendar management, file organization, and client communications. Requires 4+ years in a comparable role, strong MS Office and proofreading skills, and the ability to work independently

Qualifications

• Four years or more of experience as a practice assistant, legal secretary, or similar role.
• Proficiency with legal terminology, documents and processes.
• Typing speed of at least 70 WPM with high accuracy.
• Advanced MS Office skills, document-management and e-filing tools.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process legal documents, memoranda, pleadings and correspondences.
• Route and manage incoming/outgoing mail and deliveries.
• Maintain calendars and docket management for assigned attorneys.
• Organize and maintain client files, both physical and electronic.
• Coordinate travel, meetings, conference rooms and meals.
• Support attorneys with travel, expense reports and new matter setup.

Skills

Typing 70 wpm

Microsoft Office

Document management

Legal terminology

Calendar management

Proofreading

Tools

E-filing systems

Document management software

Job description

Position Summary

Our Detroit office, located in Birmingham, MI, is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Practice Assistant to join our growing firm. This position provides comprehensive secretarial and administrative support to multiple attorneys and assists in delivering high-quality legal services to clients.

Essential Functions

Document Preparation

• Prepare and process correspondence, memoranda, pleadings, and complex legal documents using word-processing and document-management software.
• Draft routine correspondence, including cover letters and related documents.
• Proofread documents for formatting, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and overall accuracy.
• Make revisions and redline documents as directed.
• Prepare and finalize documents for electronic filing in accordance with applicable requirements.

Communications

• Review, route, and distribute incoming mail, faxes, and other communications.
• Prepare outgoing mail, including coordinating specialized delivery or messenger services when necessary.
• Ensure all required attachments, exhibits, and enclosures are included with outgoing correspondence.

Calendar/Docket Management

• Maintain and update calendars for assigned attorneys, including meetings, appointments, deadlines, due dates, and client-related activities.

File Management

• Maintain paper and electronic client files in accordance with Firm policies and procedures.
• Organize and maintain chronological and administrative files for assigned attorneys.

General Administrative Support

• Process attorney expense reports and vendor invoices.
• Process new-matter documentation.
• Receive, greet, and direct clients and visitors professionally.
• Coordinate travel arrangements, prepare itineraries, and complete travel expense reports.
• Schedule meetings and arrange conference rooms, meals, and other meeting logistics.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with clients, attorneys, and Firm personnel.
• Anticipate the business needs of assigned attorneys, plan proactively, and consistently meet deadlines.

Requirements

• A minimum of four years of experience as a practice assistant, legal secretary, or in a comparable legal administrative role.
• Working knowledge of legal terminology, legal documents, and legal processes.
• Typing proficiency of at least 70 words per minute with a high degree of accuracy.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, document-management systems, e-filing platforms, and database software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong command of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and professional correspondence.
• Exceptional proofreading abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• Superior organizational skills, including experience with file management, calendaring, and document review.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Reliable, consistent, and predictable attendance.

Please note: Ogletree Deakins is not working with outside recruiters for this position.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Profit Sharing
• Affordable medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Contact Information

If you have questions, please e-mail Megan Becker at [e-mail] with "Practice Assistant – Detroit" in the subject line. Please note, applications submitted via e-mail will not be considered.

Firm Overview

Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Best Law Firms® has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 14 consecutive years. In the 2025 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Litigation – Labor and Employment category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 1,100 attorneys located in 60 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S.

We are fully committed to the importance of diversity within the legal profession, as well as all workplace environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer.