
Job Description
Legal Assistant
Varnum LLP, a Michigan-based, full-service law firm with over 180 attorneys and 6 offices, has a full-time opening for a Legal Assistant in our Grand Rapids office supporting multiple practice teams. We are seeking a candidate who is organized and displays a keen attention to detail, with a superb commitment to client service. This individual should be comfortable working independently, as well as part of a team.
This position is responsible for providing administrative and clerical support to multiple attorneys, paralegals, and staff in a broad range of practice areas including litigation, corporate, real estate, estate planning and labor/employment. This position provides coverage support for both planned and unplanned staff absences and general office overflow on a daily basis.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Legal Administrative Expertise
- Proofread, edit and create documents to ensure accuracy and professional appearance.
- Enter and proof attorney time in the billing system accurately and on schedule on an as needed basis.
- Convert documents from PDF to Word and reformat using Styles and Multi-Level lists as needed.
- Arrange for the proper delivery of documents/projects via courier runs, hand-deliveries, Federal Express, UPS, Certified USPS Mail, etc.
- Open new files and perform conflict of interest checks through conflicts control system.
- Copying, typing, scanning, faxing and any other general office duties as needed.
- Transcribe documents from dictation.
- Communication Skills
- Maintain confidentiality in all firm and client matters.
- Participate on a client-focused team displaying professionalism and exercising personal judgment under the ultimate direction of attorneys, paralegals, and Legal Support Services leadership.
- Monitor and respond to internal communications in a timely manner
- Participate in a client-focused team environment, exercising sound judgment and professionalism.
- Organization & Time Management
- Provide flexible support across departments during staff absences, peak workloads, or urgent projects.
- Attend staff meetings, training sessions and other required employee meetings.
- Manage competing priorities and deadlines with efficiency and professionalism
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
- High school diploma required.
- Bachelor’s degree in legal studies preferred.
Experience:
- 1+ year of experience in a law firm OR equivalent relevant experience.
Skills/Abilities:
- Proficient in MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).
- Ability to transcribe legal documents, correspondence, and reports from rough draft from dictation.
- Knowledge of iManage or other legal document management systems.
- Excellent grammar, proofreading, transcription, and organization skills.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities to meet deadlines.
- Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment and independently as needed.
- Ability to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of attorneys and staff.
- Occasional hours outside of normally scheduled hours.
Hours:
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- 100% onsite and in person.
Job ID: 134
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