What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Assistant position at Messer Strickler Burnette, Ltd?
Company Description Messer Strickler Burnette, Ltd. is a boutique law firm founded in Chicago, Illinois, focused on meeting the transactional and litigation needs of businesses in the Midwest and across the United States. The firm is built on hard work, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a client-centered approach that emphasizes high-quality results and cost-effective service. Team members benefit from a dynamic work environment and steady growth that supports professional development. Since its founding, the firm has expanded with offices in Florida, California, Kansas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, and its attorneys are licensed in more than 30 state and federal courts nationwide. This multi-office footprint allows for collaboration across regions and exposure to a broad range of legal matters.
Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Legal Assistant role based in Barrington, IL. There will be an opportunity to switch from fully on-site to hybrid following the applicant's completion of required training and at the hiring manager's discretion. Work hours are 9 am to 5 pm CST, Monday through Friday. The Legal Assistant will support attorneys with day-to-day case management, including preparing, formatting, and organizing legal documents, pleadings, correspondence, and filings. Responsibilities include maintaining case files, managing calendars and deadlines, scheduling meetings and court appearances, and coordinating communication with clients, courts, and opposing counsel. The role also involves performing basic legal research, assisting with discovery and document production, and ensuring that all documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant with court rules. The Legal Assistant will collaborate closely with legal and administrative team members to support efficient workflow and high-quality client service.
Qualifications
- Foundational knowledge of law and legal processes, with the ability to understand and support litigation and transactional matters.
- Demonstrated experience in legal document preparation, including drafting, formatting, proofreading, and e-filing legal documents and correspondence.
- Strong communication skills, including clear written and verbal communication with attorneys, clients, courts, and external stakeholders.
- Proficiency in administrative assistance tasks such as calendar management, file organization (electronic and physical), data entry, and task prioritization.
- Prior experience as a legal assistant, legal secretary, or similar role in a law firm or legal department.
- High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency with legal practice management software, document management systems, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate, or equivalent work experience; a bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and work collaboratively with a diverse team.