Litigation legal assistant job description

Under the supervision of the Manager of Litigation Legal Assistants / Specialists and attorneys, the Legal Assistant will work closely with the Litigation Practice Group to provide support to lawyers throughout the litigation / arbitration process.This includes the initial information gathering stage, support with preparation of pleadings and correspondence, discovery (including assistance with the retrieval, review and production of documents), briefing (including assistance with filing in state and federal courts), trials, hearings, administrative proceedings, settlements, as well as careful archival of case material.The Legal Assistant must be exceptionally organized and proactive, willing and able to take ownership of tasks, and must deliver work product of the highest quality.
Key Responsibilities

Assist with document retrieval, review, organization, and production. Maintain case pleadings, correspondence, discovery and research. Manage case calendars. Support trial, hearing and arbitration preparation and assist in related proceedings. Compile document collection, production and privilege logs; prepare exhibit lists. Coordinate depositions and prepare witness kits. Support attorneys with court filings, including adherence to strict deadlines and local / individual court practices. Support preparation of documents in accordance with federal and state court rules. Conduct legal research using Bloomberg, Lexis, Westlaw Next, Pacer, etc. Coordinate work with outside document and litigation vendors. Cite-check, Shepardize and Bluebook briefs; prepare tables of contents and authorities, assemble accompanying exhibits. Prepare and release daily diaries and weekly timesheets. Prepare audit response letters. Assist with special projects, e.g., monitor topics of interest to attorneys, coordinate meetings, etc. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

Superior written and verbal communication skills. Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Ability to produce high-quality work product under pressure and tight deadlines. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office. Ability to carefully and accurately follow instructions and prioritize work appropriately. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in a professional manner. Ability to take ownership of tasks and think creatively. Ability to work independently and as a team player. Ability to analyze information and solve problems. Knowledge of factual issues and court procedures for assigned matters.

Education & Experience

Essential

BS/BA degree. 3-5 years' experience as a litigation paralegal. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint. Trial experience. Experience in cite-checking and the Bluebook.

Desirable
Experience in preparation of audit response letters.

Physical Activity/Other Miscellaneous

Flexibility to work outside standard business hours. Flexibility to travel as needed. Ability to lift/carry up to 15 pounds.
Location(s)

New York-599

At Perkins Coie, we look for individuals that are self-motivated, dedicated to providing value and superior services and, above all, people who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We've created a company culture that is based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work for one of the 100 Best Workplaces in America, get great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, your birthday off, and paid sabbaticals.
GENERAL PURPOSE
The primary responsibility of the Patent Litigation Legal Practice Assistant is to provide relatively routine administrative support, with direct to moderate supervision, to designated attorneys, paralegals, other Legal Practice Assistants, and to Perkins Coie LLP as a member of the team.

In addition, as a member of the Perkins Coie LLP professional support staff team, this position is also responsible for promoting and maintaining the good will and reputation of the firm. In this capacity, the Legal Practice Assistant is expected to maintain the highest level of professional conduct and confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
These essential functions are primary job duties that a Legal Practice Assistant must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.
Proactively maintain overview of timekeepers' workload and caseload; anticipate next steps and implement follow-up procedures to ensure each task is appropriately tracked and carried through to completion.Create, edit, revise, redline, and/or proofread documents from dictation, handwritten, typed, and/or electronic copy.Maintain timekeepers' calendars of meetings and business trips, using current software applications, and apprise them of responsibilities in advance of commitment.File paper and electronic documents with appropriate courts and agencies ensuring proper procedures are followed and deadlines are met.Receive, screen, and transmit telephone and conference calls in a professional manner and take accurate telephone messages for timekeepers, clients, and staff as required.Process and route incoming mail, faxes, and electronic communications upon receipt. Prepare outgoing mail (including boxes/packages for shipment) for prompt delivery, arranging for messenger services as needed to meet deadlines.Coordinate with the docketing specialist, including review of docketing reports for accuracy of dates, to ensure court or agency documents/actions for legal proceedings meet firm docketing requirements.Coordinate preliminary conflicts checks with Professional Standards to ensure attorney and firm ability to represent requesting party.Prepare new client/matter intake forms and engagement letter.Assist with billing process, including daily time entry-entering, proofreading, spellchecking, and releasing-and distribute monthly proformas, and prepare final with cover letter (if appropriate) in accordance with firm or department procedures.Prepare accounting documents as required, including check requests, expense and travel reimbursement requests, and trust documents.Coordinate client/attorney/administrative conferences, meetings, and appointments for timekeepers and clients, including conference room scheduling, scheduling visitor offices, meals, preparation of materials, and arrangements with a third party as needed (e.g., court reporter/videographer).Coordinate travel arrangements, securing air, hotel, and car reservations for timekeepers.Set up and maintain administrative and client files; file electronic and/or paper documents and information promptly and accurately.Maintain file organization and updated indices (office dependent). Perform copying, scanning, and faxing tasks.Prepare notebooks as required.Assume responsibility for miscellaneous tasks and special projects as required. Conduct Internet research as directed by timekeepers.Occasionally assist timekeepers with personal work requests, defined in the firm manual as "acceptable tasks." Be familiar with and adhere to all firm policies.Be present at work during regularly scheduled working hours and as needed in the position, arrive at work on time, and use time wisely during the workday.Keep supervisor informed of activities and of any significant problems and/or all personal schedule changes; provide timely and accurate timecards regarding hours worked and days missed.Coordinate absences within workgroups; proactively provide assistance to timekeepers in the absence of the regular Legal Practice Assistant, and, when time permits, to other Legal Practice Assistants.Adhere to the principles of client and firm confidentiality, as outlined in the confidentiality agreement signed at the time of hire.Maintain a clean and uncluttered work area, being sure that confidential materials and valuable items are secure.

SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED
Ability to accurately type 65 wpm, communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and establish effective working relationships throughout operational groups. Strong command of the English language including excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, form, and style. Good knowledge of personal computer and system utilities or other comparable document production software. Familiarity with basic office equipment. Good organizational skills for prioritizing workload. Ability to compose correspondence. Basic knowledge of library operations and records storage procedures for retrieving materials and files for case work. Basic knowledge of records management. Basic understanding of legal terminology and procedures pertinent to the area of assignment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Previous law firm experience of three or more years or equivalent preferred.

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We take on the biggest, most precedent-setting cases across the country. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health; to preserve magnificent places and wildlife; to advance clean energy; and to combat climate change. We partner with thousands of groups, individuals, and communities to engage the critical environmental issues of our time and bring about positive change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.

Founded in 1971, Earthjustice has a distinguished track record of achieving significant, lasting environmental protections. We achieve this by hiring people who share a passion for justice and a healthy environment. Our headquarters are in San Francisco with offices in Anchorage, Juneau, Los Angeles, Chicago, Tallahassee, Honolulu, Houston, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Denver, Seattle, Bozeman, Miami and Washington, D.C.

Earthjustice's new Gulf Regional Office will work across all three of Earthjustice's core program areas-healthy communities, climate and energy, and lands, oceans and wildlife. In collaboration with our clients and partners, we will fight for clean air and water and to combat unjust pollution burdens; we will fight for an equitable clean energy transition and for climate solutions that work for everyone; and we will fight to protect the magnificent lands, waters and wildlife in the Gulf. Earthjustice has a significant body of work in the Gulf and this new office will expand our capacity in this critical region.

The Litigation / Legal Practice Assistant is an exciting opportunity for a creative administrator to use their skills, the power of law, and the strength of partnership to help deliver meaningful results for the Gulf region. This position is located in Houston but supports the litigation and administrative work throughout the Gulf region. We are seeking an advocate who is looking to materially contribute to our environmental work. We offer professional development and paralegal / legal training. Our team encourages you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification.
Responsibilities:

Litigation Support (75%)
Provide litigation support to multiple attorneys in document preparation, service, and filing of court documents, including electronic filings and service to opposing counsel. Assist attorneys with hearing preparation including preparing and reviewing discovery documents, creating exhibits, and conducting research. Ensure all court filing rules are being met, the accuracy of service list and timely filing and service of court documents. Organization and maintenance of case files including scanned pleadings, research files, exhibits, general correspondence, and contracts. Create, organize, and maintain document templates. Compute, calendar, and help to ensure compliance with court deadlines; maintain litigation docket. Participate in conference calls and meetings and communicate with courts, opposing and allied counsel, clients, experts, and government officials, as needed and approved by attorneys. Search for and retrieve legal documents from agencies, libraries, and internet sources. Edit, cite-check, proofread, format, assemble, serve, and file legal documents in accordance with relevant court, agency, and case-specific requirements. Provide support required to comply with organizational requirements for initiation of new matters and maintenance of internal litigation database. Provide drafts of procedural form pleadings (e.g., notice of appearance, pro hac vice applications, etc.). Assist with attorney admissions, registrations, renewals and maintaining e-filing accounts. Assist attorneys in preparing for and appearing in court and administrative proceedings, including evidentiary hearings, trials, and oral arguments; and Provide general administrative assistance (taking meeting minutes, updating litigation database, communications with agencies and courts, monitoring court rules, and other office tasks).
Administrative Support (25%)
Assist with onboarding for incoming staff, clerks, and volunteers. Attend community meetings to assist in advocacy or litigation support. Investigate community complaints as needed. Answer phones, handle incoming and outgoing mail/FedEx, greet visitors, ensure adequate office and mailing supplies. Respond to and screen cold calls/emails requesting information or representation. Help trouble-shoot hardware and software issues. Assist with operation and maintenance of office equipment (copier, printers, videoconferencing equipment). Schedule and coordinate meetings, conference room and video-conferencing equipment, interfacing with the office space management company. Planning and arranging of office events, and travel arrangements for Earthjustice Houston office staff. Able to stand in for Legal Practice Manager when necessary. Foster office morale and inclusive work environment. Assist with managing shared work space for all Earthjustice events, including those related to development, board meetings, etc. Other tasks as assigned and as needed.
We are seeking an advocate who is looking to materially contribute to our environmental work. We offer professional development and paralegal / legal training. Our team encourages you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience. 0-2 years' experience. Litigation/Paralegal experience or training is a plus. Fluency in Spanish is highly desired. Willingness to complete paralegal certification a plus. GIS training; science background; social justice, environmental, or public health policy or advocacy experience preferred. Excellent editorial, proofreading, and computer skills (word processing, Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Acrobat, databases and spreadsheets, etc.). Ability to set priorities among multiple assignments, to meet deadlines, and to function effectively and calmly under pressure. Strong research and organizational skills a must; attention to detail required for court filings and litigation support. A can-do attitude, with an ability and willingness to dive into unfamiliar areas, such as when filing court papers in a new venue. Flexibility, punctuality, reliability, and integrity; a team player, who willingly performs necessary tasks. Availability for occasional travel and work outside normal working hours. Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations. Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences. Interest in and commitment to environmental protection. Knowledge of environmental issues a plus.
We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits that are comprehensive and competitive. We also offer an extremely congenial work environment and a casual dress code. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Earthjustice is a qualifying employer for purposes of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program .
Salary is dependent on experience and location. Salary reflects FY 23 salary ranges.
Salary Range in Houston: $57,700 to $64,100
To Apply:
Interested applicants should submit via Jobvite by October 30:
Resume Cover letter
Applications, including those submitted after October 30, may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Please reach out to [email protected] if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application. No phone calls, drop-ins, or hard copies.
Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are given equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.
For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.