Legal Assistant

Description

Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP is seeking a dedicated and detail oriented full-time Legal Assistant to join our Trusts & Estates department.   

Performs a variety of assistant duties for attorneys and paralegals according to established policies and procedures. Maintains good public relations with clients, attorneys and staff. Observes confidentiality of attorney-client relationships. Provides coverage for other staff members as needed. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Provide support as requested by attorneys or administrative supervisors; including, but not limited to making copies, answering and directing phone calls, greeting clients, coordinating appointments, closing files, entering attorney’s time into accounting system, requesting checks and financial needs of attorneys through accounting, reviewing draft bills, and preparing final bills to be mailed. 

· Assist with the completion of intake calls of potential clients and direct to the appropriate attorney.

· Draft and transcribe correspondence, forms, memoranda and other legal documents from written drafts and/or oral instructions.

· Opening files (including requesting conflict searches per our firm policy) and entering file information into the computer system.

· Correspond and clearly communicate with clients, realtors, attorneys, and lenders.

· Read, sort, and date incoming mail. Prepare outgoing mail for delivery (via USPS, FedEx, UPS, hand delivery, fax, etc.).

· Maintain detailed status reports on all active files for attorney’s review; manage legal documentation and correspondence within the firm’s case management system.

· All other duties as assigned by Attorney.

SKILLS: 

• Ability to read and understand document content; communicate effectively orally and in writing, as appropriate, for the needs of the audience; ability to proofread and perform editing for format, contextual, grammatical, typographical and spelling errors of routine law office correspondence and legal case matters.
• Ability to multi-task and provide high level of assistance while managing a heavy workload for supervising attorney(s), as well as covering other attorneys, as needed with little notice; able to adapt quickly to changing deadlines.
• Must possess a strong attention to detail, ability to remain organized, and prioritize numerous tasks to complete under strict time constraints.
• Interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate and convey information effectively in person, by email and telephone, and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of clients and attorneys. Ability to work as part of a team and interact with courtesy and tact.
• Ability to stay calm during stressful situations, due to workload and deadlines, yet continue to perform and produce in a professional manner as required and expected.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· High school diploma required; AAS degree preferred. 

· Notary Public License highly desired.

Coughlin & Gerhart provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.