JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION:  Legal Assistant

LOCATION:  St. Joseph, MI

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general direction, assists attorneys with administrative tasks, including maintaining calendars, scheduling meetings, coordinating internal and external communications, document collection and preservation, and maintaining the electronic case file.  The work is focused on family law, estate planning and general business law and requires basic knowledge of the preparation and processing requirements of legal documents, legal terminology, civil procedure, discovery and the court system.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain attorney calendar by planning and scheduling conferences, teleconferences, depositions, and mediations; record and monitor court appearance dates, pleadings, and filing deadlines; monitor evidence-gathering and discovery responses; stay current on changes in litigation requirements.
• Handle incoming and outgoing correspondence, internally and externally, including emails and phone calls.
• Transcribe legal dictation; type a variety of reports and legal documents.
• Maintain client files according to accepted legal practices and Firm policy.
• Open/scan/process/distribute incoming mail.
• Provide case management assistance.
• Format briefs, pleadings and other legal documents with a demonstrated ability to file legal documents both traditionally and by electronic filing in State and Federal Court.
• Interface with visitors and clients in support of attorneys.
• Maintain client confidence by keeping attorney/client information confidential.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job classification.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Possess excellent written and verbal skills.
• Possess excellent proofreading, grammar, and editing skills.
• Responsible, organized, detail-oriented, and a problem solver.
• Able to handle multiple tasks in timely manner.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with the following software programs preferred: Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint) and Adobe Professional. Knowledge of SurePoint and Concur also helpful.
• High production skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Ability to interact professionally with all levels of employees.
• Ability to use good judgment to make decisions appropriate to level of responsibilities.
• Ability to learn new skills and systems quickly.
• Knowledge regarding Federal and State court filings (including e-filings).

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR TRAINING:

• Minimum five years of legal support.