OVERVIEW: Duane Morris LLP, a global law firm with 800 + attorneys in offices across the U.S. and around the world, offers innovative solutions to the legal and business challenges presented by today’s evolving global markets. 

SUMMARY:   We are looking for an experienced Legal Assistant to support or Trial practice group. Under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures, performs a variety of duties for attorneys to whom assigned.  Maintains positive contact with clients, attorneys and staff and observes confidentiality of client and other firm matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Operates a computer with multiple applications; transcribes dictation.
• Types and proofreads correspondence, memoranda and other legal documents; drafts standard correspondence, memoranda and other documents.
• Electronically files legal case documents in State and Federal Courts.
• Screens telephone calls and records messages.
• Reads, sorts and dates incoming mail. Ensures that outgoing mail is delivered on a timely basis. If necessary, routes mail to specific delivery services and follows up on timely delivery.
• Establishes and maintains calendar and deadline reminder systems; utilizes master calendar system.
• Opens new files, requests conflict of interest checks with record center and maintains on-line and hard-copy files. Conducts periodic reviews for possible storage of older files; prepares files to be closed.
• Appropriately and on a timely basis, records work to be billed to clients.
• Possesses knowledge of key clients and contacts.
• Receives clients and visitors; maintains good public relations with clients; observes confidentiality of attorney/client relationships.

• Work occasionally requires more than 35 to 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position; may require irregular hours.

• Prioritizes tasks.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Works closely with administrative support staff. Maintains a team orientation towards work. Coordinates with support departments and performs overload typing, filing, photocopying, faxing, or reception relief as time permits and as requested by other attorneys or the office manager.
• Performs other related duties, as requested.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to read and write in order to skillfully proofread and perform minor editing (e.g., punctuation, grammar, spelling) of routine law office correspondence and legal case matters. Performs non-complex arithmetic calculations when verifying calculations on forms and documents. Maintains accurate, complete and up-to-date records and filing.

   

• Ability to accurately transcribe legal documents, correspondence and reports from rough draft, dictation or transcription at a level of 70 w.p.m.

   

• Possesses high level of technical competency on all Microsoft Office and various other job-related software packages and applications.

   

• Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under strict time constraints.

   

• Ability to proofread typed material for grammatical, typographical and spelling errors.

   

• Possesses strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate successfully either in person, by phone or e-mail. Must be able to follow instructions very effectively from a diverse group of clients, attorneys and staff and provide information with ordinary courtesy and tact. Must be able to maintain discretion and confidentiality related to all functions.

EDUCATION:

• Minimum High school diploma required; Associate certificate or college degree preferred. Minimum of five (5) years on-the-job experience necessary in order to gain an understanding of law office policies and procedures and produce accurate legal documents with limited supervision.