What are the responsibilities and job description for the Full-time Legal Assistant position at Goodman Hurwitz & James, P.C.?
Law Firm Description: Plaintiffs’ civil rights litigation law firm near downtown Detroit. Four attorneys; small administrative staff. Specializes in police misconduct, wrongful conviction, governmental and corporate misconduct, as well as some other tort claims and pro bono work.
Job Description: Small firm environment provides opportunity to participate in all aspects of trial preparation and litigation, including but not limited to:
- 40 hours per week, primarily in-person (remote work may be occasionally required or recommended, per Covid-19 precautions);
- Manage outgoing and incoming court filings and calendar deadlines (proofread, add tables/indexes, file with court, save and circulate incoming filings);
- Maintain calendar;
- Advise attorneys of upcoming deadlines and provide support as needed;
- Draft correspondence, emails, proposed orders, and other papers;
- Coordinate with opposing counsel, process servers, court reporters, and other vendors;
- Manage attorney time records and invoices;
- Schedule and confirm meetings and depositions, provide directions or phone/video conference instructions; and
- Assist with all administrative needs, along with other support staff – answer phones, set up or clean up meeting rooms, empty/load/run office dishwasher, etc.; occasionally run errands, order lunch, etc.
Candidate Qualities:
- Excellent communication, organizational, and writing skills are essential;
- Relevant work experience required;
- Familiarity with Federal and Michigan rules of civil procedure required;
- Experience with e-filing in federal or state courts required (experience with both preferred);
- Must be able to demonstrate compassion to clients with diverse and often traumatic backgrounds;
- Cooperation with coworkers is vital, including providing support for urgent tasks;
- Technical proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe Acrobat are required – additional technical skills for trouble-shooting basic computer and/or printer needs are desired;
- Reliability and strong work ethic desired, including occasional willingness to work outside regular business hours;
- Commitment to social justice desired; and
- Persistence and tenacity encouraged.
Compensation: Base wage range is $19-25 per hour, commensurate with experience. Discretionary bonuses may be available. Health care reimbursement, paid holiday and vacation days are provided after 90 days; paid sick time available immediately. Free onsite parking.
Much of our work seeks to provide relief to marginalized communities who are disproportionately harmed by police, government, and corporate misconduct – including people of color, those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ people. We strongly encourage applications from members of these and other marginalized communities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $19.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Free parking
- Health savings account
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
COVID-19 considerations:
All current attorneys and staff are vaccinated; vaccination is not required, but is highly encouraged. Staff and attorneys occasionally work remotely to reduce the number of people onsite. Masks or remote work may be required at management discretion.
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Education:
- Associate (Preferred)
Experience:
- Legal Administrative: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $19 - $25