Legal Secretary

at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Legal Secretary
Recruiting Location

US-NY-New York | US-IL-Chicago

Department 
Secretarial Services
Summary

The work of the legal secretaries at Sidley Austin LLP (the "Firm") is critical to the overall operation of the Firm and the ability of each and every lawyer to serve the Firm's clients effectively. At the Firm, legal secretaries are considered professionals and important members of the team. An effective team is based on mutual respect, cooperation and commitment to a common goal.

When a secretary is hired by the Firm, she or he is hired by the Firm and not by a particular lawyer. Thus, secretaries are expected to play an active role in assisting their assigned lawyers - and, when necessary, assisting other lawyers and other secretaries - toward the common goal of providing the Firm's clients with the best service possible.

To be an effective member of the team, secretaries should familiarize themselves with Firm procedures, from the way files are organized in the Records Department to the billing procedures of the Accounting Department. To be an integral part of a practice group, secretaries should also work with their assigned lawyers in establishing and maintaining the particular procedures of the practice group and the lawyer's individual requirements and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (particularly, Outlook, Word, Excel)
Knowledge of Document Management Systems (i.e., DeskSite)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Good judgment and strong interpersonal communication skills
Strong analytical and problem solving skills
Strong time management skills
Requires strong computer and Internet research skills
Ability to multi-task and prioritize work proficiently and effectively completes same in a timely manner
Ability to work independently and anticipate needs of assignments
Maintains composure while meeting multiple deadlines (even with frequent interruptions)
Assist and support lawyers in dedicated assignments as well as associates assigned to Practice Support Team(s)
Conserves assignments' time by reading, researching & routing email correspondence
On behalf of assignments, liaise with various support departments of the Firm
Maintains assignments' calendars, plans and schedules meetings, conferences, teleconferences, video conferences and travel; apprises assignment of schedule in advance of commitments
Analyzes, allocates, processes and monitors complex expense reports
Maintains and updates assignments' client/matter lists, Outlook contacts and Marketing mailing lists
Responsible for assignments' annual mailings
Researches and routes correspondence
Produces information by formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying and transmitting documents
Proofreads and reviews all work produced
Receives, screens and transfers telephone calls; relays telephone messages according to method preferred by assignments (e.g., written messages, email, or voicemail)
Responsible for submitting requests for conflicts reports; prepares and monitors creation of new business forms
Coordinates client billing with billing specialist
Enters, proofreads and finalizes assignments' time entries on a daily basis;
Maintains assigned lawyers' files pursuant to the Firm's Policy on Records Management
Support visiting lawyers/clients when required
Ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff as well as outside clients and vendors
Works harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a team
A self-starter who desires to show ownership and commitment to the job; accepts responsibility for actions
Exercises confidentiality and discretion
Volunteers to assist others and seeks out work during slow periods in workload
Continues to develop skills and abilities
Maintains a safe and unobstructed work area, including a neat and well-organized desk; demonstrates safe work practices
Other duties, as assigned
New York Applicants (and roles reporting to New York): Salaries may vary by location. In New York, the estimated target salary range of this role is $115,000 - $128,000 in addition to bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefit package. Salary determinations are made based on numerous factors, such as, but not limited to, the relevant market and the skill, experience, class or graduation year, and education of the selected candidate.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities... For full info follow application link.

Sidley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, religion, disability, citizenship status, national origin, veteran status and any other factor protected by applicable law.