Legal Assistant

Adams and Reese LLP is seeking a team-oriented, tech savvy, self-starter who is inquisitive and client focused to support litigation attorneys in the New Orleans office.

Responsibilities

• Strong verbal and writing skills; wants to be part of a client focused team helping clients handle legal issues.
• Capable of performing a variety of clerical and administrative duties using various computer programs typically related to a litigation practice by assisting attorneys in a supportive role.

Responsibilities

Prepares, processes, and proofreads legal documents; Mails, faxes, copies, and/or arranges for delivery of documents to clients, witnesses, opposing counsel and court officials; Maintains filing systems, control records and indexes using moderate independent judgment; Data management including time entry, document databases, email and hard copies; Coordinates and participates in document production; Obtains information using the Westlaw and Lexis systems; Communicates with clients, court personnel, experts, attorneys and others via telephone, email, in person, and in writing, obtaining and giving information as directed; Assists with trial preparation including preparation of trial books, exhibits, etc.; May transcribe dictation from dictating machine, as required by the supervising attorney(s); Maintains supervisor(s) calendar electronically and/or manually by scheduling appointments and critical dates and keeping supervisor posted of same; Opens and closes files, and maintains client and business files by filing and retrieving materials as required; Screens phone calls; records and delivers messages and provide callers with information as authorized by attorney; Makes travel arrangements through the Firm’s designated Travel Agency; Prepares and edits client invoices for billing purposes; Enters and maintains attorneys’ time sheets, as required; Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 5+ years of legal secretarial experience in a related area of law.
• Ability to type 65 wpm – excellent spelling, punctuation and grammar required and knowledge of legal terminology.
• May be required to know real estate closing procedures and terminology.
• Competent in the use of computers and Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Power Point and Microsoft Outlook.
• Excellent organizational skills and people skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

College degree Paralegal skills Working Conditions:

• This position requires sitting for long periods of time while operating a computer.
• At times, employees are required to work in excess of the normal work schedule, particularly during trial preparation.
• Employees in this position must be mobile, have the ability to type with both hands, bend, and have ability to lift and carry files weighing approximately 10-15 lbs.