Client Intake/Legal Assistant Criminal Defense Firm | Norfolk, Virginia Full-Time | $40,000-$45,000 (Depending on Experience) At Welch & Wright, PLLC , we understand that when someone contacts our firm, they may be facing one of the most stressful and uncertain moments of their life. A criminal charge, DUI, or serious traffic matter can put someone's freedom, reputation, driver's license, and future on the line. That first call is often a client's first step toward taking control of what happens next. We are looking for a Client Intake/Legal Assistant who can meet that moment with professionalism, empathy, confidence, and a sense of urgency. This is not simply a front desk position. You will play an important role in both the client intake process and the day-to-day legal support of our team. From the first interaction with a prospective client to assisting with administrative and legal matters, your work will help ensure that clients feel supported and our attorneys have the information and assistance they need.

Why This Role Matters:

You are often the first impression. The calm, capable voice on the other end of the line. The person who helps someone feel heard, understood, and confident that they have reached a legal team ready to stand by their side. At Welch & Wright, we believe in putting our clients' interests first. We take the time to listen, understand what happened, and help people navigate the road ahead. As our Client Intake/Legal Assistant , you will play an important role in delivering that experience from the very first interaction while also providing valuable support to our legal team. If you are someone who can make people feel at ease while staying highly organized, proactive, and responsive, this role offers the opportunity to do meaningful work in a fast-paced legal environment where every call, every detail, and every client matters .

Why Join Our Firm:

At our firm, you will be part of a team that understands the work we do is about more than legal matters. We have the opportunity to guide and support people during important and often challenging moments in their lives. We are committed to creating a workplace where both our clients and our team members feel valued, respected, and supported. We believe a strong team is built on collaboration, kindness, accountability, and a shared commitment to doing the right thing. The right candidate will join a close-knit, collaborative team that takes pride in providing exceptional service, supporting one another, and doing meaningful work that makes a real difference for the people we serve.

Key ResponsibilitiesClient Intake & Lead Management:

Serve as a trusted first point of contact for prospective clients, gathering information with professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail Conduct initial intake conversations to understand each prospective client's legal needs and determine the appropriate next steps Identify qualified leads and coordinate consultations with the appropriate attorney or team member Accurately enter, track, and manage leads, consultations, and conversion activity within the firm's database and case management systems Maintain timely follow-up with prospective clients who have not yet scheduled a consultation or retained the firm Prepare engagement agreements and support the onboarding process for new clients Help ensure no qualified lead falls through the cracks by maintaining organized follow-up and consistent communication

Client Experience & Front Office Support:

Answer incoming calls promptly, professionally, and with a client-focused approach Create a welcoming, organized, and professional experience for clients and visitors Direct calls, messages, and client inquiries to the appropriate attorney or team member Schedule consultations, appointments, and meetings while helping manage attorney and office calendars Maintain a polished and welcoming reception area and ensure conference rooms are prepared for client meetings Represent the firm with professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to exceptional client service

Legal & Administrative Support:

Provide administrative and legal support to attorneys and staff as needed Maintain accurate and up-to-date client contact information, records, and files Assist with data entry and ensure information is properly documented in the firm's case and contact management systems Help prepare, organize, and manage client documents and correspondence Help organize and coordinate with clients for the mitigation process Receive, sort, and route incoming mail, deliveries, and packages Support day-to-day office operations and take ownership of tasks that help the team stay organized and efficient

Qualifications:

2-5 years of experience in a professional office, client service, legal, or administrative role Previous experience in a law firm or legal environment is preferred Strong client service, communication, and interpersonal skills Comfortable handling sensitive or confidential information with professionalism and discretion Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, scheduling tools, data entry, and database or case management systems Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities, follow through, and stay on top of important details Strong written and verbal communication skills Professional presence and the ability to interact confidently and appropriately with clients, attorneys, and outside contacts Personality Traits That Thrive in

This Role:

We are looking for someone who brings the right balance of compassion, confidence, and professionalism . This person should genuinely enjoy helping others while also being proactive, organized, and comfortable taking ownership of their responsibilities.

The ideal candidate is:

Outgoing, welcoming, and naturally able to put people at ease Compassionate and empathetic when working with clients who may be stressed or facing difficult circumstances Detail-oriented, organized, and dependable A strong communicator who listens carefully and makes people feel heard Proactive and comfortable taking initiative rather than waiting to be told what to do A collaborative team player who is always willing to step in and help where needed Confident and appropriately assertive when advocating for clients or moving important matters forward Able to balance warmth and empathy with professionalism and sound judgment Our firm is built on a collaborative and supportive team culture , and we are looking for someone who values strong relationships and treats both clients and colleagues with professionalism, respect, and genuine kindness.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary:

$40,000-$45,000 annually, depending on experience Benefits include: 401(k) with employer matching Paid time off

About The Firm:

Welch & Wright, PLLC is a Norfolk, VA-based law firm serving clients throughout the Hampton Roads region and across Virginia. Founded to provide outstanding legal representation for those facing criminal charges or injured in an accident, the firm is led by attorneys L. Calum Welch and Nick T. Wright, both highly respected, courtroom-tested advocates who understand the local legal system inside and out. At Welch & Wright, no two clients get a one-size-fits-all strategy. The firm builds every case around thorough investigation, reviewing arrest reports, gathering witness statements, and consulting with experts, because strong evidence builds strong cases. Every client receives the focus and attention their case deserves, with a team committed to winning on their terms.

Pay:

$40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Paid time off

Work Location:

In person