Phelps Dunbar LLP is an AmLaw 200 full-service law firm. Phelps Dunbar LLP is offering an opportunity for a Legal Assistant supporting a group of attorneys within the Insurance and Litigation practice groups in Raleigh through the performance of complex secretarial, administrative, and substantive legal duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Leverage technology resources to ensure the group of attorneys is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.
- Identify most efficient and effective manner to complete tasks.
- Prepare documents by formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, printing, and transmitting text, data and graphics using office software applications.
- Knowledge of the legal processes that facilitate the accurate preparation of client documents and responding to filing or closing deadlines.
- Prepare and coordinate e-filings, as well as filings in state and federal courts if needed.
- Handle incoming and outgoing mail, faxes and scan documents.
- Ensure that documents are saved and filed into the appropriate workspaces/folders in FileSite and paper file.
- Maintain the daily calendar of each attorney including, but not limited to, scheduling appointments, meetings and travel arrangements.
- Maintain Outlook contacts for each attorney as appropriate.
- Open files, close files and assist with conflicts checks.
- Provide support to the attorneys with timesheets and regular billing matters.
- Request reimbursement for attorneys through ChromeRiver and for client costs through Accounts Payable.
- Maintain a good working rapport with clients and court personnel which requires discretion and judgment.
- Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job. Flexibility to work OT as driven by Litigation practice needs.
Education and Experience Required:
- A minimum of a high school diploma or GED is required. An associate degree, certificate or related education is preferred. Significant prior experience may be substituted for a combination of the educational requirements.
- Five + year’s secretarial experience in a law firm environment is preferred.
Qualifications and Skills Required:
- Strong knowledge of and ability to apply office software applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and PDF.
- Working knowledge of legal practices, terminology, documents and court procedures.
- Working knowledge of the firm’s support tools.
- Ability to interact and communicate effectively in a business environment.
- Flexible, solutions-oriented approach and the ability to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities from multiple sources.
- Excellent typing, spelling, grammar, proofreading, transcription and general clerical skills.
- Ability to coordinate work activities; prepare legal correspondence and documents; organize and maintain files and records.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including personal computer, copier, multi-function printers, facsimile, and telephone.
Performance Measures:
The Legal Assistant will be evaluated by the attorneys in the work group and the Office Manager based upon, but not limited, to the following performance criteria:
- Ability to perform responsibilities as outlined above, both in terms of the quality and quantity of work.
- Expertise with available software and technology tools, understanding of secretarial and office procedures; equipment; legal terminology; attention to detail.
- Dependability and cooperation with attorneys, clients and other support staff.
- Adherence to office policies and procedures.
- Professionalism and ability to communicate effectively and handle multiple priorities.
