Legal Practice Specialist - Litigation

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,750 lawyers and 3,200 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. 

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office. 

With us, you’ll find: 

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!  

• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.  

• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.  

• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.   

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Legal Practice Specialist performs a variety of administrative support tasks for the assigned attorneys within the Litigation Practice Group. This role performs solutions-focused litigation support, including managing case data, coordinating multi-jurisdictional filings, supporting trial preparation and proceedings, and facilitating communication across teams. The Legal Practice Specialist works under general supervision and relies on instruction and guidelines to perform the essential functions of the job.

The candidate should be solutions oriented and have excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills. The qualified candidate must have substantive knowledge, understanding and experience in litigation including: trial experience and experience working with a trial team; managing databases; filing in various jurisdictions, etc.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Support attorneys in all aspects of trial preparation, including handling logistics and supporting at trial organizing exhibits and preparing hearing binders as necessary, and providing on-site assistance at trial.

• Draft, edit, proofread, and redline documents (agreements, pleadings, spreadsheets, and presentations) and correspondence ensuring accuracy, grammar and formatting

• Proactively manage monthly client billing by reviewing and editing prebills; liaise with billing department to ensure compliance with client billing guidelines and bills are sent timely

• Oversee attorney expense reports and vendor invoices through to completion including, ensuring complete documentation is provided, prompt submission, and necessary follow-up

• Manage attorney Outlook email and calendar when requested to include providing reminders of responses needed and impending deadlines and obligations

• Organize and maintain attorney contacts and calendars, travel logistics, including and scheduling flights, hotel, etc.

• Input, review, edit, and revise attorney time entries to ensure accuracy and timely submission

• Coordinate meeting logistics, including scheduling, reserving conference rooms; requesting equipment and food and beverage orders; preparing presentation materials; and welcoming visitors

• Establish and maintain paper and electronic files in compliance with current Firm policies utilizing the Firm’s Document Management System

• Manage client intake process, including generating client conflict inquiries, opening new matters and preparing engagement letters

• Maintain contact information and activities with clients and prospective clients in our CRM system

• Effectively leverage time by delegating administrative tasks to support team

• Proactively remind attorneys of impending deadlines and obligations

• Pull and organize docket filings & monitor dockets for relevant pleadings and conducting docket searches

• Communicate with the court regarding scheduling hearings and other administrative matters

Job Specifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required

• At least three (3) years of litigation experience

• Active Notary commission preferred; willingness to obtain commission if not currently held

• Knowledge of PACER and CM/ECF, as well as other relevant litigation applications is preferred

• Knowledge of court rules and civil procedures in State and Federal jurisdictions, including experience with electronic filing

• Knowledge of trial procedures including managing databases, filing in various jurisdictions, and other aspects of trial preparation

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; professional demeanor and presentation

• Strong client service skills with high-level standards of excellence in work product to exceed client and Firm expectations

• Strong organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail

• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities

• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to take initiative and use good judgment and excellent follow-up skills

• Ability to maintain and handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and diplomacy

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

• Willingness to travel as needed to support trial activities

As part of our ongoing commitment to be #AlwaysBetter for our people, clients and communities, we have created a culture of belonging that champions your individuality as both a person and a professional. From our competitive compensation, top benefits and award-winning professional development programs to industry-leading wellness initiatives, we support you through every stage of your life and career. With McDermott, you can live a life you love both in and outside of the office.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear

• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.