JOB TITLE:  Legal Assistant

DEPARTMENT:  Private Client Services

OFFICE: Philadelphia

OVERVIEW:  Duane Morris LLP, a global law firm with 900+ 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:  Under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures, performs a variety of secretarial and administrative duties for legal professionals in the Private Client Services practice with a focus on operational excellence and client service. Establishes and maintains positive relationships with attorneys, staff and clients and observes confidentiality of client and other firm matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for processing original client documents including copying, scanning, creating (and updating) binders, transmitting documents to clients and preparing for vault storage; Maintains and updates ongoing client document status spreadsheet.
• Proactively implements and maintains highly effective office organizational systems.
• Provides general administrative support to legal professionals including maintaining calendars and schedules and processing incoming and outgoing mail.
• Types and proofreads engagement letters, correspondence, memoranda and other administrative documentation.
• Acts as a witness at the signing of estate planning documents if necessary, having the ability to maintain good public relations with clients, as well as observing confidentiality and attorney/client relationships.
• Coordinates and schedules meetings, including booking conference rooms, arranging catering, printing documents, and coordinating schedules.
• Manages expenses, including processing expenses for legal professionals and business development expenses.
• Coordinates the filing of gift tax returns and other administrative filings in connection with ongoing estate and trust administration.
• Performs other administrative and support duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES):

• High School diploma (Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree preferred) with at least 3-5 years of related administrative or legal assistant experience. Specific knowledge of estate and trust documents/terminology a plus.
• Strong organizational skills are imperative with the ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them in a timely manner on an on-going basis, as well as under strict time constraints when necessary.
• Must possess a high level of technical competency on various job-related computer software packages and applications including MS Word, MS Outlook and MS Excel.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to proofread material for grammatical, typographical and spelling errors required.
• Interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate successfully either in person, by phone or through e-mail (including directly with clients). 
• Must be able to follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of legal professionals and staff and provide information with professional courtesy and tact. 
• Must be able to maintain discretion and confidentiality related to all functions.
• PA notary qualifications preferred
• Must be available to work onsite 5 days per week

BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, vision, and prescription plans.
• Commuter, HSA and FSA spending accounts
• Short-term and long-term disability and life insurance coverage
• 401k and Pension Plan
• 22 PTO days, 11 paid holidays
• Employee Referral Bonus ($3,000.00)

ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT:   If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact Nate Maxwell at 215-979-1000.

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Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not a contract or employment agreement and is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all functions, responsibilities or requirements.  In addition, Duane Morris reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate any benefit plan, in whole or in part, at any time. The authority to make such changes rests with the Plan Administrator