Litigation Legal Assistant

Litigation Legal Assistant - Ann Arbor Varnum LLP, a Michigan-based, full-service law firm with over 225 attorneys and 6 offices, has a full-time opening for an experienced Legal Assistant supporting the Litigation practice team in our Ann Arbor office. We are seeking a candidate who is organized and displays 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. This role is 100% in-person and requires at least 2-3 years of prior Legal Assistant experience. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES: • Participates in a client-focused team displaying professionalism, excellent communication skills, and exercising personal judgment under the ultimate direction of assigned attorneys. • Proofreads and edits attorney time in the billing system; ensures accurate entry of complete information before each monthly deadline. • Prepares correspondence, memos, pleadings, briefs, forms and other documents in proper legal form; files legal documents with appropriate attachments, both electronically and via traditional filing methods. • Transcribes documents from dictation; proofreads and edits all documents to ensure accuracy and professional appearance. • 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. • Maintains appointment and deadline reminder calendars (docket) for all case-related dates, including but not limited to appointments, deadlines, and follow-up dates. Prepares necessary documents, copies, and binders for all appointments. • Drafts, finalizes, and delivers engagement letters. • 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. • 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. • 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 Legal Assistant experience, demonstrating an understanding of law office policies and procedures and an ability to produce accurate legal documents with minimal supervision. • Experience supporting a high-volume Litigation practice, including filing in state and federal courts, required. 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 and grammar 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. Preferred Skills: • Experience working in iManage, Aderant EA Pro, Intapp, or comparable legal software. Hours and Location: • 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. • Occasional hours outside of normally scheduled hours. • 100% in-person. Job ID: 285 #INDHP