Legal Practice Assistant

Cozen O’Connor has an excellent opportunity for an experienced Legal Practice Assistant to join our Pittsburgh office.  This position supports several attorneys as primary assignments and also provides backup assistance to others as assigned.

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic self-starter who thinks strategically and can act independently. The position requires excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills and the ability to interact with clients and people at all levels of the firm. 
 

Responsibilities

• Optimize attorney time by effectively managing calendars, appointments, calls, and correspondence.
• Properly docket deadlines.
• Schedule virtual and in-person depositions, meetings, and other attorney activities promptly and accurately. Confirm appointments and handle cancellations as directed.
• Assist in drafting documents and correspondence, including initial pleading and discovery documents.
• Prepare and file pleadings, briefs, and other court and administrative submissions, including with the EEOC and NLRB.
• Type, redline, format, proofread, and edit various documents, charts, and tables, including correspondence, pleadings, memoranda, agreements, motions, and other legal documents.
• Assemble exhibits, witness lists, and other essential materials for depositions, collective bargaining, motions and pleadings, and court and administrative proceedings.
• Timely and accurately file documents electronically and in physical form in state and federal forums, including federal courts, state courts, EEOC, NLRB, and other administrative bodies; and adhere to all applicable procedural, forum, or judge-specific requirements.
• Routinely review and follow up on client deadlines and calendar appointments.
• Organize, prepare, and maintain client and office files in both electronic and paper filing systems.
• Assist with the billing process, including reviewing time and cost entries, making necessary corrections, and uploading client budgets.
• Process attorney time entries, summaries, expense reports, and check requests.
• Assist with travel arrangements.
• Take all steps necessary to establish new matters, including assisting with conflict procedures, preparing and submitting forms, and assisting with/maintaining engagement agreements.
• Maintain attorney contact lists through Outlook/InterAction.
• Be flexible with assignments, providing support and service not only to primary attorneys but to any attorney within the department or office as needed.
  
   

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience as a litigation practice assistant with a well-established firm.
• Knowledge of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, attorneys, and staff.
• Highly detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task effectively.
• Strong document processing and project management skills; ability to transcribe. 
• Proficiency in advanced levels of Microsoft Office 365, Outlook, Excel, Word, iManage Work, Adobe, and the use of Styles, Redlining, and DocuSign.
• Ability to properly maintain client privacy and document security.
• Ability to operate the firm's software applications at an advanced level within a reasonable period, with excellent reading comprehension and proofreading skills.
• Experience working collaboratively in a team environment, demonstrating individual commitment to group tasks for efficient and quick completion.
• Accurate typing speed of at least 70 words per minute.
• Degree preferred but applicable work experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.