Practice Assistant

at  White Case

FIRM SUMMARY

White & Case is an elite global law firm serving leading companies, financial institutions and governments worldwide. Our long history as an international firm means we are perfectly placed to help our clients resolve their most complex legal challenges wherever they may be.
With lawyers and staff operating from more than 47 locations, working in virtually every country of the world, we have invested heavily in building a high-quality full-service practice competing at the top of the market. We are distinguished by our on-the-ground presence in the world’s key financial markets and our strengths in handling complex cross-border work.
It’s not just about our global network of offices and shared services centers; it’s the global interconnectedness of the Firm that our people, and our clients, value most. We work well together across geographic and practice boundaries. It’s one of the reasons we attract and retain cross-border work. And why we attract a diverse group of people.
Our lawyers are globally minded, enterprising, collaborative and committed to excellence. Diversity is a core value of our Firm and it has been recognized with numerous awards and top rankings around the world. Our people represent 90 nationalities and speak 80 languages.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Practice Assistant (PA) operates under the supervision of attorneys and performs a wide range of administrative and legal services. PA responsibilities vary depending on the assigned practice group. Litigation PA collaborates closely with White Collar and other litigation teams as well as other Firm departments to deliver exceptional legal services to clients. The PA will be required to execute a variety of tasks with precision and discretion and to perform and prioritize assignments for multiple individuals. This role demands a high level of organizational skill, attention to detail, and ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The Practice Assistant reports to the lead practice group partner and the Office Operations Manager.

Duties and Accountabilities1

• Effectively multi-task and properly prioritize among multiple requests in a fast-paced environment, as well as interface professionally with the attorneys within the practice group and the Firm, as well as with outside constituencies.
• Communicate clearly and accurately any issues with workload to the assigned attorneys on a timely basis; interpret instructions to produce quality work product and keep legal staff apprised of the status of work and any problems with systems or programs.
• Use discretion when needed and keep information confidential.
• Must be a self-starter who undertakes anticipated future work after given assignments are completed.
• Must be a team player; ability to foster good relationships with other members of the team; and must be flexible and able to adapt quickly to changes in workflow requests.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills.

Technical Skills

• Demonstrate proficiency in all Microsoft software programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to quickly learn and master new software suites (i.e. Firm and practice-related software applications).
• Significant knowledge of Superior and District courts, as well as knowledge of Appellate court systems.
• Knowledge of arbitrations and arbitration filings, and all court filings.
• Excellent understanding of discovery, motions, subpoenas, summons and complaints, and any court document that must be responded to in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of Pacer, court e-filings, Legal Solutions, and court rules.
• Ability to quickly locate court rules and forms on the Internet.
• Ability to create shell pleadings and discovery documents.
• Significant understanding of court deadlines, calendaring and Firm’s docketing procedures.
• Ability to quickly learn how to draft grammatically correct routing letters, memos, reports, and e-mails in Firm style and format.
• Proficiency in proper business grammar usage and punctuation, and legal and business spelling.
• Ability to use office equipment such as scanners and copiers.
• Ability to manage and organize electronic and paper files.
• Basic math skills.
• Must type 65 wpm (minimum) accurately.

Administrative Skills

• Manage bills and collections files.
• Create and maintain Outlook contacts and e-mail distribution lists.
• Draft, proofread for accuracy, and release time sheets.
• Maintain updated and accurate client and matter lists.
• Complete conflict search reports.
• Assist with client development and research.
• Manage and submit expense reports.
• Plan and organize workflow to comply with established time constraints in order to meet deadlines.
• Carry out projects assigned effectively and on a timely basis.
• Work in an organized and efficient manner.
• Use good judgment at all times and asks follow up questions if instructions are unclear.
• Show excellent attention to detail and be familiar with the resources available.
• Have a thorough knowledge of department and Firm procedures and uphold all rules and policies.
• Make travel arrangements (including transportation, lodging, and meals), and prepare business itineraries.
• Arrange overtime coverage with Document Production department for lawyers and legal staff.
• Must be flexible with work hours based on needs of the Firm.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five (5) years of law firm experience, preferably in white collar or commercial litigation case work.
• A high school diploma is required. A college degree is preferred.
• Exposure to a large international law firm is beneficial, but not required.
• Foreign language skills are a plus. Practice Assistants possessing foreign language skills may be asked to translate documents and conversations.
• Strong written and verbal communication and organization skills.
• Professional telephone demeanor and etiquette.
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong business grammar usage, spelling and punctuation.
• Ability to work under pressure and with a variety of personalities.
• Excellent professional references.
• Good judgment.
• High ethical standards.

BENEFITS

White & Case LLP offers a comprehensive suite of benefit programs to all eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, 401(k) retirement savings, vacation time, and leave programs (including parental leave). Exempt roles are also performance bonus eligible.
The Firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.
1The above is only a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.
Primary Location: United States-Boston
Expected Workplace: Hybrid
Job Posting: Sep 23, 2024, 9:09:58 AM

• Effectively multi-task and properly prioritize among multiple requests in a fast-paced environment, as well as interface professionally with the attorneys within the practice group and the Firm, as well as with outside constituencies.
• Communicate clearly and accurately any issues with workload to the assigned attorneys on a timely basis; interpret instructions to produce quality work product and keep legal staff apprised of the status of work and any problems with systems or programs.
• Use discretion when needed and keep information confidential.
• Must be a self-starter who undertakes anticipated future work after given assignments are completed.
• Must be a team player; ability to foster good relationships with other members of the team; and must be flexible and able to adapt quickly to changes in workflow requests.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills