Legal Assistant

Thompson Hine LLP, an AmLaw 200 firm regularly recognized for our commitment to Innovation and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, is currently seeking candidates for a full-time (37.5 hours/week) Legal Assistant in our Los Angeles, California office.

This Legal Assistant will provide secretarial and administrative assistance and manage workflow for three or more timekeepers. Actively participate in workflow collaboration and teaming with peers and management to achieve best practices and client service.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proficient in computer applications and other office equipment.
• Drafts correspondence, memoranda, and other legal documents to be reviewed by attorney/paralegal.
• Answers telephone calls, takes messages or sends callers to voicemail system if preferred.
• Reads, sorts, and date stamps incoming mail. Ensures that outgoing mail is timely delivered. If necessary, routes mail to specific delivery service and follows up on timely delivery.
• Establishes and maintains calendar, contact lists, and deadline reminder systems.
• Requests new files through Business Intake and requests and follows up on conflict of interest checks with Records Department. Maintains attorney and general office files. Reviews and prepares files to be closed when matters are complete.
• Greets clients and visitors; maintains good customer service with external and internal clients; observes confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.
• Makes appointments and travel arrangements for attorney(s)/paralegal(s).
• Enters attorney and paralegal time into the timekeeping system.
• Works with Billing Department and billing attorney to review and revise billing Proformas. Assist in finalizing bills for client mailing.
• Works closely with administrative support staff (word processing, receptionists, Business Intake, Office Services, accounting and billing, etc.).
• Performs other tasks and responsibilities as requested.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Proficient with software and terminology relevant to practice group area.
2. Working knowledge of internet use for research purposes.
3. Working knowledge of the court system and procedures, if applicable to practice group area.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and/or Experience

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Up to 15 years of Administrative or legal secretarial experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Some college course work.
2. Notary Public.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent proofreading skills and accuracy. Perform editing (e.g. punctuation, grammar, spelling) of routine law office correspondence and legal case matters.
• Verify calculations on forms and documents.
• Good understanding of law office policies and procedures.
• Work independently.
• Ability to apply grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills.
• Excellent organization skills and able to prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time restraints.
• Possesses interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of clients, attorneys, and staff and is a team player.
• Excellent computer skills and experience with Windows 7/Microsoft 2010 Suite.
• Type a minimum of 75 wpm.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks under pressure.
• Flexible and adjusts work schedule, if required.
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this job.
• Excellent customer service skills and telephone etiquette are mandatory.
• This position requires the employee to work onsite at a specified Thompson Hine office location based on a schedule determined by the Manager for the benefit of the department and firm. Changes to the location and/or schedule must be approved by the Manager and Human Resources. This position is not eligible for remote work absent the employee’s office working in business continuity mode.

Compensation is determined upon the market in which the position is located, the responsibilities of the position, the experience and skills of the applicant, and other job-related factors. The starting salary range for this California position is $63,000 to $85,000.

Thompson Hine LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer that offers competitive wages, and a robust benefits package. Benefit offerings include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as Paid Time Off (PTO).

As a Legal Assistant, you will be directly involved and considered to be within the attorney-client relationship, a position that demands the utmost trust and confidence. Your duties involve access to sensitive and confidential information related to our clients' business and legal matters, which requires assurance of your honestly, trustworthiness and reliability. Further, as part of our contractual, professional, and ethical obligations to our clients, we must ensure that individuals with access to confidential client information meet stringent standards of conduct. Conducting this background check is essential to maintaining our firm’s reputation and ensuring compliance with both legal and ethical standards that govern the legal profession. Therefore, Thompson Hine has good cause to conduct a review of your Criminal History.

All qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).