What are the responsibilities and job description for the Birmingham Legal Secretary position at Varnum LLP?
Legal Secretary - Banking/Finance and Corporate
Varnum LLP, a Michigan-based law firm with over 175 attorneys and seven offices, has an opening for an experienced Legal Secretary in our Birmingham office supporting our Banking and Finance and Corporate practice teams. We seek a candidate who is organized, displays keen attention to detail, and demonstrates superb commitment to client service.
Key Responsibilities:
Varnum LLP, a Michigan-based law firm with over 175 attorneys and seven offices, has an opening for an experienced Legal Secretary in our Birmingham office supporting our Banking and Finance and Corporate practice teams. We seek a candidate who is organized, displays keen attention to detail, and demonstrates superb commitment to client service.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate on a client-focused team, displaying professionalism, excellent communication skills, and exercising personal judgment under the ultimate direction of assigned timekeepers.
- Prepare, edit, and proofread legal documents and correspondence, handling closing preparations.
- File legal documents electronically or via traditional methods.
- Transcribe documents from dictation, proofread, and edit to ensure accuracy and professional appearance.
- Answer telephone calls, forward messages, and answer non-legal questions.
- Receive, read, and route incoming postal mail.
- Arrange document delivery via courier runs or express services.
- Maintain appointment and deadline reminder calendars for all case-related dates.
- Review calendar reports generated from docket control systems.
- Enter and proofread time in billing systems.
- Open new files, perform conflict checks, and maintain client and general files.
- Closing inactive files according to Record Retention & Destruction Policy and Guideline.
- Schedule depositions, hearings, appointments, and conference calls, preparing necessary documents.
- Request checks for filing fees and attorney business expenses.
- Assist with legal assistant work overflow or absence coverage as needed.
- Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and other employee meetings.
- Perform general office duties as required.
- Maintain confidentiality in firm and client matters.
- TWO TO THREE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN A LAW OFFICE SETTING, GAINING UNDERSTANDING OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.
- Bachelor's degree in legal studies or related field preferred.
- Experience supporting Banking and Finance and/or Corporate practice preferred.
- Proficient in MS Office Suite and legal document management software.
- Excellent proofreading skills.
- Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Work independently with minimal supervision.
- Professional demeanor and ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
- Communicate effectively with diverse groups of attorneys and staff.
- Commitment to responsive client service.
- Knowledge of iManage, Adarant, EAPro, Intapp, or other document management systems.
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.
- 100% in-person.
