Legal Practice Specialist - Employment Litigation

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Emery is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,400 lawyers and 1,200 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:

The Legal Practice Specialist performs a variety of administrative support tasks for the assigned attorneys within the designated Practice Group. The qualified candidate must have substantive knowledge and understanding of Litigation. This includes managing databases, filing in various jurisdictions, and working with Paralegals in preparation for trials. This position may perform additional duties and responsibilities relating to the assigned Practice Group. The Legal Practice Specialist works under general supervision and relies on instruction and guidelines to perform the essential functions of the job. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

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

• Edit, proofread, and redline documents and correspondence for accuracy, grammar, and formatting

• Build effective working relationships with clients, internal and external, through regular interactions in a friendly, helpful, and professional manner 

• Organize and maintain attorney client lists, contacts, and calendars; maintain contact information and activities with clients and prospective clients in our CRM system 

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

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

• Input, review, edit, and update attorney time entries in conformance with Firm’s Billing Guidelines

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

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

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

• Effectively leverage time by delegating administrative tasks to support team

• Assist with secretarial overflow as needed

Job Specifications:

• At least three (3) years of legal experience

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required

• Substantive knowledge and understanding of Litigation including managing databases, filing in various jurisdictions, and working with Paralegals in preparation for trials.

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

• Working knowledge of Relativity, PACER, CM/ECF, Westlaw, Lexis, as well as other relevant litigation applications is preferred

• Solutions oriented

• Excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills

• 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 meet or 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

• Travel, as required

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

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

     Target Hiring Range $73,000 - $115,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. 

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.