Litigation Legal Assistant

Overview

Michael Best is seeking a Legal Assistant to join our Madison, WI office. The Legal Assistant will provide legal and administrative support to timekeepers in the Litigation practice area. Prior experience as a Legal Assistant and experience supporting Litigation attorneys is preferred.

• Manage an active calendar of appointments, meetings, video calls and travel plans on behalf of attorneys
• Process new client/matter documentation including initiation of conflict checks, input information into Firm's new business intake system and prepare engagement letters to clients
• Compose and prepare confidential correspondence
• Transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, billings and reports from dictation, handwriting or existing documents
• Maintain and organize both hard-copy and electronic files
• Respond and resolve questions or concerns from clients and other attorneys in a timely and professional manner
• Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into Firm’s expense management software
• Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers
• Create reports using Excel
• Communicate with clients as to billing issues and status of matters
• Electronic court filings and docket management in Court Alert
• Track and file continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff
• Provide assistance in civic, charitable, community, and professional activities

Knowledge Base &

Education:

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) minimally required; higher diploma or degree preferred
• 2 - 3 years experience in a legal environment, preferably in the litigation practice area
• Ability and willingness to work in the office four to five days per week
• Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team across various practice groups
• Exceptional communication skills via phone, email and in-person
• Strong organizational skills with excellent judgment and attention to detail
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.
• Technology literacy and willingness to learn new technologies and software
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Experience in the following software is a plus:
• iManage or similar electronic document management system
• Court Alert
• Docu Sign or similar e-signature program
• Electronic time management system
• Expense report and reimbursement software
• Electronic billing software
• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position and Firm evolves
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and varying deadlines
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities, manage time effectively and exhibit excellent follow-up
• Team player mentality, with a desire to be a part of a collaborative, high-performing group
• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm
• Willingness and ability to work proactively in our Team Environment, across various groups and/or locations

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Ability to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor

• Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve…