Legal Assistant

at  Michael Best

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is looking for a proactive and highly organized Legal Assistant to join our Los Angeles, CA office! The Legal Assistant will provide on-site (in-office) legal and administrative support to timekeepers in the Transactional practice area. Prior experience as a Legal Assistant and experience supporting Transactional, Corporate or Litigation attorneys is required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Certificate or Undergraduate Degree strongly preferred
• Transactional: 4+ years’ experience in a legal environment, preferably in the transactional and/or litigation practice area
• Working knowledge of litigation process
• Ability and willingness to work in the office four to five days per week
• Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team across various practice groups
• Exceptional communication skills via phone, email and in-person
• Strong organizational and process skills, focused attention on detail, and ability to spot inaccuracies and inconsistencies in documents
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS:

• Technology literacy and willingness to learn new technologies and software
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Experience in the following software a plus:
• iManage or similar electronic document management system
• DocuSign or similar e-signature program
• iTimekeep or similar electronic time management system
• Chrome River or similar expense report and reimbursement software
• Electronic billing software
• CourtAlert

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems

• Process new client/matter documentation including initiation of conflict checks, input information into Firm’s new business intake system and prepare engagement letters to clients
• Manage an active calendar of appointments, scheduling meetings, video calls and travel plans on behalf of attorneys
• Compose and prepare confidential correspondence
• Take business development notes on client calls
• Transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, billings and reports
• Maintain and organize both hard-copy and electronic files
• Respond and resolve questions or concerns from clients and other attorneys in a timely and professional manner
• Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into Firm’s expense management software, ChromeRiver
• Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers and assist with reviewing prebills
• Create reports using Excel and Smartsheet
• Communicate with clients as to billing issues and status of matters
• Electronic filings
• Track and file continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff
• Provide assistance in civic, charitable, community, and professional activities