Receptionist

Wilson Sonsini; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilson Sonsini in Palo Alto is seeking a professional receptionist to deliver exceptional hospitality and operational support to attorneys, staff, clients, and visitors. You will manage calls, coordinate meeting logistics, and ensure conference rooms and hospitality standards are maintained.

The role requires strong communication, organization, and customer service skills, with a regular onsite schedule Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and a pay range of $24.52–$33.17 per hour.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of prior reception experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist employees with telephone and voicemail support inquiries.
• Research internal records and databases to identify attorney and client relationships as needed.
• Coordinate meeting and event support with Facilities, Café, IT, and Security teams to ensure successful execution and hospitality readiness.
• Maintain conference room and hospitality standards throughout the office.
• Assist with special projects and additional administrative duties as assigned.
• Maintain compliance with all firm policies, procedures, and operational standards.

Skills

Phone support

MS Teams

MS Office

Customer service

Communication skills

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Landis Attendant Console

Job description

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them.

The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe.

Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

Under the direct supervision of the Office Administrator, the Receptionist serves as a key member of the Palo Alto office administrative team and is responsible for delivering exceptional reception, hospitality, and operational support to attorneys, staff, clients, and visitors.

As one of the first points of contact for the firm, this role plays an integral part in fostering a professional, welcoming, and service-oriented environment while ensuring the smooth coordination of reception and office support functions.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include managing incoming calls through the firm’s Landis Attendant Console System for Microsoft Teams, directing callers appropriately, and providing backup coverage for front desk receptionists. While the role supports front desk operations, the majority of responsibilities are performed from the back office in support of daily reception and administrative responsibilities. In partnership with the Office Administrator and broader office services teams, the Receptionist also provides overflow support for day-to-day office operations, including conference room reservations, hoteling office coordination, visitor check‑in and escorting, and maintaining hospitality standards across meeting and common spaces. The role requires strong communication, organizational, and customer service skills, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced professional services environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist employees with telephone and voicemail support inquiries.
• Research internal records and databases to identify attorney and client relationships as needed.
• Coordinate meeting and event support with Facilities, Café, IT, and Security teams to ensure successful execution and hospitality readiness.
• Maintain conference room and hospitality standards throughout the office.
• Assist with special projects and additional administrative duties as assigned.
• Maintain compliance with all firm policies, procedures, and operational standards.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of prior reception experience.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and effectively with internal and external clients, visitors, attorneys, and staff.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Microsoft Teams.
• Prior experience using the Microsoft Teams Phone Landis Attendant Console System is a plus, including the ability to manage a high volume of incoming calls in a professional and efficient manner.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and customer service skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work effectively under pressure, and meet deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude and high level of professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and complete assignments within established guidelines, procedures, and standard business practices.
• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to adjust priorities, work overtime, or modify schedules on short notice based on business and operational needs.

This position requires a regular onsite presence as part of the firm’s in-office work environment. The role is onsite Monday through Friday from 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

Primary location: Palo Alto.

Anticipated pay range: $24.52 - $33.17 per hour. Compensation may include overtime and a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance.

We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package. Benefits information can be found here.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Wilson Sonsini is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce globally. We have built a culture in which employees of all backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences are encouraged and empowered to achieve their maximum potential. Our firm is consistently recognized among the top law firms in annual diversity rankings. For example, Wilson Sonsini ranked No. 2 among firms with more than 601 attorneys in Law360’s 2025 Diversity Snapshot. Additionally, in 2025, for the seventh consecutive year, Wilson Sonsini achieved Mansfield Plus Certification, and in 2026, for the sixth consecutive year, the firm achieved a top score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. We are also dedicated to enhancing the communities in which we live and work by providing legal services, financial support, and volunteer services to worthy agencies and individuals in need. In 2025, Wilson Sonsini attorneys and staff provided more than 80,500 pro bono hours, participated in 125 community service projects, and raised over $130,000 for charitable organizations and causes. In addition, the Wilson Sonsini Foundation contributed more than $2.35 million to 112 law‑related organizations and 129 community organizations in 2025. Wilson Sonsini has 17 offices in 16 technology and business hubs worldwide. Austin, TX Boston, MA Boulder, CO Brussels, Belgium Century City, CA Hong Kong London Los Angeles, CA New York, NY Palo Alto, CA Salt Lake City, UT San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA Shanghai (China) Washington, D.C. Wilmington, DE