Legal Assistant - Business

Legal Assistant - Business Phelps Dunbar

LLP - 3.5

Nashville, TN Job Details Full-time 18 hours ago Qualifications Record keeping Computer operation Administrative experience High school diploma or GED Transcription Litigation Typing Clerical experience Document management Grammar Experience File organization Full Job Description Phelps Dunbar LLP is an AmLaw 200 full-service law firm. The Legal Assistant is responsible for supporting a group of attorneys through the performance of substantive legal assistant duties and administrative tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist attorneys in all stages of business and commercial real estate transactions (i.e. forming corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and other legal entities); commercial financing transactions; and healthcare law. Leverage technology resources to ensure the group of attorneys is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. Organize and maintain files from the inception of the case through completion, including electronic filing in the appropriate workspace folder in iManage. Identify most efficient and effective manner to complete tasks. Prepare documents by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, printing and transmitting text, data and graphics using office software applications. A knowledge and appreciation of the legal processes that facilitate the accurate preparation of client documents and respond to filing or closing deadlines. Professional demeanor when engaging with attorneys, clients and firm personnel. Maintain a good working rapport with clients which requires discretion and judgment. Handle incoming and outgoing mail, faxes and scan documents. Maintains attorneys' calendars and docketing, including planning and scheduling conferences; teleconferences; depositions; makes travel arrangements; recording and monitoring court appearance dates, pleadings and filing requirements. Maintain Outlook contacts for each attorney as appropriate. Maintain updated correspondence and pleadings files as to filing, indexing, and creating sub-files. Utilizing electronic resources as the predominate method of filing. Knowledge of the open/close file procedures to include conflict checks, new client procedures and proper closing procedures. Request reimbursement for attorneys through Emburse and for client costs through Accounts Payable. Keeps abreast of changes in litigation or transaction preparation requirements to facilitate accurate preparation of client documents. Use Pacer as required. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

Education and Experience Required:

A high school diploma or equivalency is required; an associate degree, business school certificate or related education is preferred. Significant prior experience may be substituted for a combination of the educational requirements. Three+ years of legal assistant experience in business and/or commercial real estate is preferred.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

Strong knowledge of and ability to apply office software applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and PDF. Working knowledge of legal practices, terminology, documents and court procedures. Working knowledge of the firm's litigation and transactional support tools. Ability to interact and communicate effectively in a business environment. Flexible, solutions-oriented approach and the ability to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities from multiple sources. Excellent typing, spelling, grammar, proofreading, transcription and general clerical skills. Ability to coordinate work activities; prepare legal correspondence and documents; organize and maintain files and records. Ability to operate standard office equipment, including personal computer, copier, multi-function printers, facsimile, and telephone.

Performance Measures:

The Legal Assistant will be evaluated by the attorneys in the work group and the Office Manager based upon, but not limited, to the following performance criteria: Ability to perform responsibilities as outlined above, both in terms of the quality and quantity of work. Expertise with available software and technology tools, understanding of secretarial and office procedures; equipment; legal terminology; attention to detail. Dependability and cooperation with attorneys, clients and other support staff. Adherence to office policies and procedures. Professionalism and ability to communicate effectively and handle multiple priorities.