Legal Practice Assistant - Commercial Litigation

Ashurst Perkins Coie is looking for a talented and dynamic individual to join our team as a Legal Practice Assistant (Legal Secretary) to work in our Commercial Litigation Department. Candidates must be detail orientated and have excellent skills in communication, computers, and organization. This position will provide varied and more complex administrative support, with moderate supervision, to designated attorneys, other Legal Practice Assistants, and paralegals. 

In addition, as a member of the Ashurst Perkins Coie professional support staff team, this position is responsible for promoting and maintaining the goodwill and reputation of the firm. In this capacity, the Legal Practice Assistant is expected to maintain the highest level of professional conduct and confidentiality.

Please note that this position requires 4 days in office per week. 

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

• Proactively maintain overview of timekeepers’ workload and caseload; anticipate next steps and implement follow-up procedures to ensure each task is appropriately tracked and carried through to completion.
• Provide varied and more complex support to timekeepers with moderate supervision.
• Create, edit, revise, redline, and/or proofread documents from dictation, handwritten, typed, and/or electronic copy.
• Maintain timekeepers’ calendars of meetings and business trips. Coordinate travel arrangements as necessary. 
• File paper and electronic documents with appropriate courts and agencies and ensure proper procedures are followed and deadlines are met.
• Process and route incoming mail, faxes, and electronic communications upon receipt. Prepare outgoing mail (including boxes/packages for shipment) for prompt delivery, arranging for messenger services as needed to meet deadlines.
• Coordinate with docketing specialist, including review of docketing reports for accuracy of dates, to ensure court or agency documents/actions for legal proceedings meet firm docketing requirements.
• Coordinate preliminary conflicts checks with Professional Standards to ensure attorney and firm ability to represent requesting party. Prepare new client/matter intake forms and engagement letters.
• Assist with billing process, including daily time entries (entering, proofreading, spellchecking, and releasing), distribute monthly proformas, and potentially review and edit prebills, and prepare final with cover letter (if appropriate) in accordance with firm or department procedures.
• Prepare accounting documents as required, including check requests, expense and travel reimbursement requests, and trust documents.
• Coordinate client/attorney/administrative conferences, meetings, and appointments for timekeepers and clients, including scheduling conference room, visitor offices, meals, preparation of materials, and arrangement with a third party if needed.
• Set up and maintain administrative and client files; file electronic and/or paper documents and information promptly and accurately. Maintain file organization and updated indices.
• Demonstrate flexibility to handle tasks and prioritize workflow.
• Keep supervisor informed of activities and of any significant problems and/or all personal schedule changes; provide timely and accurate timecards regarding hours worked and days missed. 
• Coordinate absences within workgroups; proactively provide assistance to timekeepers in the absence of the regular Legal Practice Assistant, and, when time permits, to other Legal Practice Assistants.
• Be familiar with and adhere to all firm policies. Adhere to the principles of client and firm confidentiality, as outlined in the confidentiality agreement signed at the time of hire.

SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED

• Ability to accurately type 70 wpm, communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and establish effective working relationships throughout operational groups. 
• Strong command of the English language including excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, form and style. 
• Strong knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, and Excel and familiarity with basic office equipment are necessary.
• Excellent organizational skills for prioritizing workload. 
• Familiarity with legal terminology and procedures pertinent to the area of assignment.
• Ability to work in office 5 days per week. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. 
• Previous law firm experience of five or more years or equivalent preferred.

At Ashurst Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Ashurst Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, and opportunity both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work for a dynamic, growing organization with great benefits and growth opportunities. 

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to ten paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here. 

This position may be filled in the following location(s). The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity. 

Washington state compensation range: $56,750 to $90,800 annually