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Varnum LLP

Grand Rapids Legal Assistant - Banking, Finance & Restructuring

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  • Grand Rapids, MI

Job Description

Legal Assistant – Banking, Finance & Restructuring 
Varnum LLP, a Michigan-based, full-service law firm with over 180 attorneys and 6 offices, has a full-time opening for an experienced Legal Assistant in our Grand Rapids office supporting our Banking, Finance & Restructuring practice team. 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.
 
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Participates on a client-focused team displaying professionalism, excellent communication skills, and exercising personal judgment under the ultimate direction of assigned attorneys.
  • Opens and creates new files, performs conflict of interest checks through conflicts control system, and maintains all electronic and physical client and general files in a neat and orderly condition.
  • Drafts, finalizes, and delivers engagement letters.
  • Assists with drafting, editing, proofreading, and filing bankruptcy pleadings, proof of claims and other litigation pleadings.
  • Creates binders of pleadings and other important documents with indexes.
  • Receives, reads, and routes incoming postal mail. Arranges for the proper delivery of documents/projects via courier runs, hand-deliveries, Federal Express, UPS, Express Mail, etc.; provides complete information to courier for delivery.
  • Answers telephone calls in a courteous and professional manner; forwards messages to the intended parties; answers non-legal questions. Places phone calls as needed or requested.
  • Maintains appointment and deadline reminder calendars (docket) for all case-related dates. Including but not limited to hearings, depositions, and follow-up dates and prepares necessary documents and copies.
  • Reviews calendar reports generated from docket control system.
  • Proofreads and edits attorney time in the billing system; to the extent possible, ensures accurate entry of complete information before each monthly deadline on an as needed basis.
  • Closes inactive files in a timely manner and in accordance with the Record Retention & Destruction Policy and Guideline.
  • Requests checks for filing fees, etc. and attorneys' business expense reimbursements.
  • Assists with legal assistant work overflow or absence coverage as time permits or needs dictate and as requested by other attorneys, paralegals, or Human Resources representatives.
  • Attend staff meetings, training sessions and other required employee meetings.
  • Copying, typing, scanning, faxing and any other general office duty as needed.
  • Transcribes documents from dictation.
  • Maintains confidentiality in all firm and client matters.
 
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
 
Education:
  • Completion of high school.
  • Bachelor’s degree in legal studies or related field preferred.
 
Experience:
  • Two to three years on the job experience in order to gain an understanding of law office policies and procedures and produce accurate legal documents with minimal supervision.
  • Experience supporting Banking and Restructuring and/or litigation practices preferred.
 
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite and legal document management software with the ability to transcribe legal documents, correspondence, and reports from rough draft, dictation, or transcription at a level of at least 30 wpm.
  • Excellent proofreading skills.
  • Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
  • Works independently and completes tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Professional demeanor and ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
  • Ability to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of attorneys and staff.
  • Committed to providing responsive client service.
  • Occasional hours outside of normally-scheduled hours.
Preferred Skills:
  • Knowledge of iManage, Adarant, EAPro, Intapp or other document management systems.
Hours:
  • 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
  • 100% in-person.
Job ID: 243
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