Litigation Legal Assistant (hybrid)

Merchant & Gould, one of the nation's premier intellectual property law firms, is seeking a Litigation Legal Assistant. This position will be located in our Alexandria, VA location. 

In order to perform one (1) or more essential functions of this role, a minimum of three (3) days in the office is required.

Summary of Position:
Perform a variety of secretarial responsibilities to assist a team of litigation attorneys in our Alexandria office that service technology clients based in Asia. Responsible for working with our attorneys, clients, vendors, and associate law firms. 

Responsibilities:

1. Provide client management support for a small attorney team, including facilitating time entry and invoice generation, finalizing invoices and sending to clients, responding to client inquiries regarding billing.
2. Work with clients that are primarily based in Asia, including understanding cultural preferences and communication styles.
3. Review and prioritize incoming email and regular mail, scan (if necessary) and distribute case-related items to team, and file in appropriate electronic file of document management system.
4. Draft, format, and revise letters, memoranda, pleadings, forms, and other documents.
5. Proofread client and court documents.
6. Open and maintain new client and matter files.
7. Manage attorneys’ docket; communicate deadlines to team.
8. Establish, organize and maintain case files, including pleadings, correspondence, notebooks, depositions, exhibits, production documents, document indexes, electronic form and in paper if required.
9. Provide administrative support such as meeting arrangements, calendar appointments, update contacts information, handle routine correspondence, make photocopies, arrange travel, process expenses and reimbursements, etc.
10. Monitoring case budgets and applying those budgets to monthly invoices.
11. Retrieve files, cases, depositions, exhibits, documents, and other information as requested.
12. Prepare for and electronically file pleadings with the Court, and service of same.
13. Make necessary arrangements for depositions.
14. Assist team in preparation for out-of-town depositions and trial.
15. Enter timesheets and assist with processing client billing, including reviewing and sending out client invoices.
16. Processes incoming vendor invoices for payment.
17. Assist other members of the litigation group when necessary.
18. Perform other duties or projects as assigned or requested.

• Four to five years litigation experience.       
• Ability to develop strong interpersonal relationships with attorney team and assist in case and client organization.
• Willingness and desire to work with international clients.
• Curiosity to learn the attorneys’ areas of intellectual property practice, which is highly technical, diversified and fast paced.
• Familiarity with legal terminology, current court rules, and procedures.
• Obtain and maintain a working knowledge of M&G systems, policies and procedures.  Attend and complete additional specific training as needed.
• Possess excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Sharepoint, Adobe Acrobat), 3E and other software specific to the firm and the litigation group. 
• Must possess positive, upbeat attitude and ability to stay calm under pressure. 
• Must be a team player. 
• Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.  Ability to work at high level of mental effort while handling multiple tasks.  Ability to concentrate on details.
• Ability to proofread typed material for contextual, grammatical, typographical or spelling errors.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and follow instructions from a   diverse group of clients, attorneys, paralegals and staff.
• Work occasionally requires more than 37.5 hours per week and may occasionally require irregular hours.  Must have willingness to be flexible, when necessary.
• Work occasionally requires lifting packages over 20 pounds.
• Regular attendance at work.

We are equally committed to providing competitive, affordable health and wellness benefits to help take care of yourself and your family, including: a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package that includes employee medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, and ten firm holidays.

To be considered, please apply online at Career Opportunities (merchantgould.com). You will need to provide a resume and professional references.

Merchant & Gould 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 characteristic 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, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We welcome candidates with disabilities. If you need any accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Department at 1-612-332-5300.