Legal Assistant (Transactional)

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is looking for a proactive and highly organized Legal Assistant to join our Madison, WI office! The Legal Assistant will provide legal and administrative support to timekeepers in the Transactional practice area and the Estate Planning subgroup. Prior experience as a Legal Assistant and experience supporting Transactional, Corporate or Litigation attorneys is required.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Manage an active calendar of appointments, meetings, video calls and travel plans on behalf of attorneys
• Process new client/matter documentation including initiation of conflict checks, input information into Firm's new business intake system and prepare engagement letters to clients
• Compose and prepare confidential correspondence
• Transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, billings and reports
• Maintain and organize both hard-copy and electronic files
• Respond and resolve questions or concerns from clients and other attorneys in a timely and professional manner
• Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into Firm’s expense management software, ChromeRiver
• Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers
• Create reports using Excel
• Communicate with clients as to billing issues and status of matters
• Track and file continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff
• Provide assistance in civic, charitable, community, and professional activities

Job Requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Certificate or Undergraduate Degree strongly preferred
• Transactional: 5 years’ experience in a legal environment, preferably in the transactional and/or litigation practice area
• Ability and willingness to work in the office four to five days per week
• Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team across various practice groups
• Exceptional communication skills via phone, email and in-person
• Strong organizational and process skills, focused attention on detail, and ability to spot inaccuracies and inconsistencies in documents

Technology Requirements:

• Technology literacy and willingness to learn new technologies and software
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience in the following software a plus:
  • iManage or similar electronic document management system
  • DocuSign or similar e-signature program
  • iTimekeep or similar electronic time management system
  • Chrome River or similar expense report and reimbursement software
  • Electronic billing software
  • CourtAlert

Adaptability:

• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position and Firm evolves
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure and varying deadlines
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities, manage time effectively and exhibit excellent follow-up

Collaboration:

• Team player mentality, with a desire to be a part of a collaborative, high-performing group
• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm
• Willingness and ability to work proactively in our Team Environment, across various groups and/or locations

Communication

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Problem Solving Skills

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems

Professionalism:

• Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

Other:

• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

The Company
This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location
We have offices in Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln) and Washington D.C. Our contemporary offices spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our clients. This position is located in our Madison, WI office.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, all programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal.

We are not accepting search firm submissions at this time.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Michael Best Strategies LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.