SENIOR LEGAL ASSISTANT – ARBITRATION (DC)
Lucas Group is looking for a Senior Legal Assistant to join its client in Washington, DC. The candidate would support one partner in international arbitration, as well as provide back up support to other partners and fee-earners when needed, through all phases of arbitration in addition to non-billable work.
This is a non-exempt position.
Responsibilities:
- Provide senior support to Partners and Associates with the preparation of client work and other non-billable activities.
- Assist with time entry and expense reconciliation and management.
- Manage diaries and make travel arrangements (including transportation and accommodation) along with preparing itineraries.
- Prepare client bills, budgets and process final invoices (working in conjunction with the firm’s finance team).
- Work with the Risk & Compliance team to conduct conflict of interest searches for new business intake and new matter openings.
- Draft grammatically correct correspondence (letters, memos, reports, emails, faxes etc. including from dictation and markups). Proofread and edit correspondence to correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Create, organize and maintain hard copy and electronic files (experience of using iManage preferred) and assist with archiving.
- Schedule and coordinate arrangements for client meetings and events (including booking conference rooms and setup).
- Help with the preparation of pitches and other marketing/business development materials.
- Help report and escalate IT problems to the firm’s helpdesk and ensure issues are followed up and resolved promptly.
- Monitor incoming emails and respond appropriately.
- Answer, screen, and make telephone calls in a professional manner. Take accurate messages and relay to the intended recipients. Retrieve, date stamp and distribute firm mail.
- Support colleagues in the legal support team by assisting with front of house services as required. Meet and greet clients, and other visitors, in a professional manner.
- Help with various ad hoc projects from time-to-time (e.g. client events and staff social functions).
Requirements:
- A College degree.
- A minimum of five years’ experience working in an equivalent senior level role in a professional services environment.
- Experience gained working in an international law firm, particularly with exposure to arbitration/litigation teams, would be beneficial.
- Technically proficient with advanced skills in MS Office
- Strong organization and time management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Service focused and able to deliver first class support to partners, clients and visitors alike.
- Self-starter with high levels of energy and drive. Able to work under minimal supervision when required and provide proactive support to fee-earners.
- Professionalism and confidence in dealing with senior stakeholders including both partners and clients.
- Flexibility to support colleagues on other office related tasks when required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Able to multitask, work to strict deadlines and prioritise competing priorities accordingly.
- Excellent attention to detail and able to produce work to the highest standard of accuracy.
- Can work both independently and collaborate as part of a team.
- Experience of complex diary management and scheduling. Can exercise judgment with regard to priorities/urgency and resolve conflicting appointments as needed.
- Strong technical proficiency in the use of the firm’s software programs including excellent Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook skills, and office equipment (such as printers, scanners and photocopiers).
- Billing experience strongly preferable (specific familiarity with Aderant would be an advantage).
- Experience of undertaking research and document production.
- Demonstrate judgement and discretion when dealing with confidential information.
- Typing at 60 words per minute.
WHY WORK WITH LUCAS GROUP?
Lucas Group is a leading national executive recruitment firm, ranked #3 on Forbes’ list of Best Professional Recruiting Firms in 2018.
