What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Assistant position at Duane Morris LLP?
JOB TITLE: Legal Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Trial
OFFICE: Pittsburgh
OVERVIEW: Duane Morris LLP, a global law firm with 900 attorneys in offices across the U.S. and around the world, offers innovative solutions to the legal and business challenges presented by today’s evolving global markets.
SUMMARY: Under minimal supervision and in accordance with firm policies and procedures, the Trial Legal Assistant will handle all aspects of litigation and trial preparation support, including document management, court filings, scheduling, and client coordination. The role requires advanced knowledge of litigation processes and the ability to anticipate attorney needs throughout all phases of case management, including trial.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Draft, edit, and proofread pleadings, discovery, motions, and correspondence, ensuring compliance with court rules and deadlines.
- Electronically file documents in State and Federal Courts, including last-minute and complex filings.
- Manage and monitor attorney calendars, court deadlines, and schedules, ensuring reminders and updates are communicated proactively.
- Handle client communications and serve as a liaison between clients, courts, and internal teams with professionalism.
- Organize and maintain case files (both electronic and physical), including discovery and trial binders.
- Assist in trial preparation: prepare exhibit lists, witness files, coordinate logistics, and provide on-site trial support when needed.
- Process incoming and outgoing mail; coordinate with couriers and overnight delivery services to meet filing and service deadlines.
- Arrange attorney travel and prepare detailed, accurate expense reports.
- Accurately record billable time and assist with timekeeping and billing processes.
- Greet clients and visitors, maintaining the highest level of discretion and confidentiality.
- Familiarity with Big Hand or other digital dictation technology software
Additional Responsibilities:
- Collaborate closely with other legal assistants, paralegals, and administrative staff to support case teams and balance workloads.
- Provide overflow administrative assistance as needed.
- Perform other duties as requested by attorneys or the Office Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES):
- Minimum 5 years of legal assistant experience, with at least 3 years focused on litigation and trial support in a large law firm environment.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and legal technology tools (iManage/FileSite, e-filing platforms, time entry systems}.
- Ability to type and transcribe at a minimum of 70 w.p.m. with accuracy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft and edit legal documents and correspondence with precision.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple high priority tasks and meet strict deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
- Flexibility to work overtime as needed for trial schedules and case deadlines.
BENEFITS:
- Comprehensive healthcare, dental, vision, and prescription plans.
- Commuter, HSA and FSA spending accounts
- Short-term and long-term disability and life insurance coverage
- 401k and Pension Plan
- 22 PTO days, 11 paid holidays
- Employee Referral Bonus ($3,000.00)
ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT: If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact Nate Maxwell at 215-979-1000.
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Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not a contract or employment agreement and is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all functions, responsibilities or requirements. In addition, Duane Morris reserves the right to amend, suspend or terminate any benefit plan, in whole or in part, at any time. The authority to make such changes rests with the Plan Administrator
