Practice Assistant

Ogletree Deakins; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Paid Sick Leave

401(k) matching program

Profit Sharing

Paid Parental Leave

Dental & Vision coverage

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Ogletree Deakins in Lafayette, LA is searching for a Practice Assistant to provide essential support to attorneys and paralegals. This role involves preparing legal documents, maintaining calendars, and managing administrative tasks to ensure smooth office operations.

Ideal candidates have over 4 years of experience and possess strong typing ability, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in MS Office. A competitive benefits package is provided, including paid time off, health insurance, and a 401(k) matching program.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience as a practice assistant or legal secretary.
• Strong computer proficiency in document management, time entry, e-filing, and database software.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process correspondence, memoranda, and complex legal documents.
• Maintain and update calendars for assigned attorneys.
• Prepare time entries and coordinate client billing matters.

Skills

Legal terminology knowledge

Typing speed of at least 70 WPM

MS Office proficiency

Excellent communication skills

Strong proofreading skills

Organizational skills

Time management skills

Job description

Position Summary

Our Lafayette, LA office is looking for a Practice Assistant to join our growing firm. On a day-to-day basis, works under the direction of attorneys and paralegals to whom the Practice Assistant is assigned. Under general supervision, supports the delivery of quality legal services to clients by providing secretarial and administrative assistance to attorneys, performing complex and specialized secretarial and clerical tasks, and working collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment. This position supports multiple attorneys as primary assignments and also provides back‑up secretarial assistance to other attorneys as assigned. May also provide back‑up to receptionist as necessary, depending on size of office.

Essential Functions

• Preparing Documents: Using word processing and document management software, the Practice Assistant 2 prepares and processes correspondence and memoranda as well as complex legal documents according to the requirements set by each practice group. Independently composes and drafts routine cover letters and documents. Proofreads documents and checks for appropriate formatting, spelling and grammar. Prepares revisions and redlines documents as directed. Prepares documents for e‑filing as required.
• Processes Mail: Reviews and routes incoming mail and fax communications. Prepares and processes outgoing mail and faxes, arranging for specialized mail or messenger services as required. Ensures that all attachments, exhibits and enclosures are included.
• Maintains Calendar: Maintains and updates the calendars for assigned attorneys, including meetings, appointments, due dates, and client‑related activities.
• Maintains Files: Maintains paper and electronic files in compliance with internal policies. Performs routine filing and retrieves files as needed. Maintains chronological files and administrative files for assigned attorneys.
• Timekeeping: Prepares time entries for assigned attorneys and submits in a timely manner. Prepares expense reimbursement and disbursement requests. Prepares billing letters and coordinates client billing matters with the Billing Department in Greenville.
• General Administrative Support: Prepares and processes new matter documents. Receives and screens phone calls and takes message as required. Receives and directs clients and visitors. Coordinates travel arrangements, prepares itineraries, and prepares travel expense reports. Schedules meetings and arranges for conference rooms and meals. Communicates effectively and professionally with clients and with others in the Firm. Is proactive in anticipating the business needs of the assigned attorneys; plans ahead and meets deadlines.
  • The Practice Assistant 2 may be responsible for additional administrative assistance and may, on occasion:
    • Assist with mentoring new office staff
    • Assist with piloting new software

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience as a practice assistant or legal secretary
• Knowledge of legal terminology, legal documents and legal processes
• Accurate typing of at least 70 words per minute
• Strong computer proficiency in the use of MS Office, document management, time entry, e‑filing and database software
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
• Understanding of correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Strong proofreading skills
• Superior organizational skills including filing, calendaring, and proofreading
• Time management skills and ability to work independently as well as with a team
• Regular predictable attendance

Benefits

Ogletree Deakins offers a robust suite of benefits for our Staff including: Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, a 401(k) matching program, Profit Sharing, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, affordable Health and Life Insurance including Dental & Vision coverage, Health Savings Account /Flexible Spending Accounts to help offset the cost of dependent care and/or health care expenses, Tuition Reimbursement and an Employee Assistance Program.

Equal Opportunity Employer.