Business Practice Group Legal Assistant

Description

About the Position

Warner Norcross Judd is seeking aBusiness Practice Group Legal Assistantto join our team in Grand Rapids. The Legal Assistantrole provides comprehensive support to timekeeping roles within the Firm including Partners, Associates, and Paralegals. This role involves performing a variety of administrative and clerical tasks to ensure the efficiency of legal processes as well as provide exceptional client service. The ideal candidate will have excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high standard of work.

Responsibilities

About the Opportunity

• Types correspondence, memos, forms, and other documents in proper legal formatting, ranging from simple to very complex while fully utilizing the available resources. Carefully proofreads all documents to ensure they are accurate, consistent, and professionally presented. Transcribes documents from dictation as required.
• Maintains electronic client files efficiently and systematically. Retains hard copy working files only until the matter is closed. Ensures emails and other electronic documents are properly filed in the document management system. Converts hard copy files to electronic format, keeping all records up to date. Orders new sub-files as needed, adhering to practice group standards.
• Handles telephone calls with courtesy and professionalism, swiftly forwarding relevant messages to the appropriate parties. Manages calls efficiently, promptly addressing client information requests, and keeping timekeepers updated on conversations.
• Opens new matters, ensuring all client information is complete and compliant with firm procedures. Enters accurate client matter numbers for correct billing and arranges the proper delivery of documents and projects via courier, hand delivery, or other special services.
• Manages timekeeper calendars, travel, expenses, and meeting logistics. Assists timekeepers with practice group meetings and events, and tracks project status and deadlines, ensuring timely updates and electronic filings.
• Reviews and edits time entries in Intapp Time before they are released into the billing system, ensuring accurate and complete information is entered before each weekly and monthly deadline.
• Proofreads and edits client billing memos for accuracy and distribution. Coordinates special billing arrangements based on client request.
• Delegates tasks to Practice Group Support Specialist, administrative departments and vendors for efficiency.
• Provides coverage and backup support, as a member of a team, to other timekeepers when team members are absent from the Firm and coordinates vacation schedules to ensure coverage.
  
  

The above list is not intended to be all inclusive but provides a general framework for the position. Other related responsibilities will arise from time to time and be assigned to department members.

The Legal Assistant role embodies Warner’s foundational values by demonstratingteamworkthough daily collaboration with timekeepers, legal assistants, and internal firm members to ensure smooth operations within the Family Law practice group;serviceby supporting practice group members with reliable, details-oriented assistance that enhances efficient and client experience in sensitive and complex matters;adaptabilityby managing a wide variety of administrative responsibilities with flexibility and a solutions-focused mindset;respect by fostering a professional and compassionate working environment built on trust and mutual regard, particularly when handing personal and emotional client interactions;excellenceby consistently producing high-quality work and taking a proactive approach to the unique demands of estate planning and administration.

Competencies

• Attention to detail/Thoroughness
• Communication Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Time Management
• Technical Proficiency
• Client Service Orientation
• Problem-Solving Abilities
• Confidence and Integrity
• Adaptability
• Team Collaboration
• Basic understanding of legal terminology
  
  

The physical demands of this position are representative of those that must be met by an employee in order to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. These include being both mobile and stationary throughout the workday, having the ability to transport 25 pounds and being able to operate a computer and other business equipment found in the office.

About You

Experience, Education and Training:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Proficient in Microsoft Suites
• Prior office experience required
• Comfortable in a fully in-person work environment
  
  

About Warner

Warner is a full-service corporate law firm with 230 attorneys practicing in nine offices throughout Michigan: Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb, Midland and Muskegon. To learn more, visit www.wnj.com, follow us on X @WNJLLP or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.

About Our Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Firm-provided life insurance and disability coverage
• 401k with employer contribution or match depending on plan design
• Generous PTO and leave policies
• Firm holidays
• Remote work flexibility
• Wellness program
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities
  
  

About Our Culture

Warner’s cultural motto is “Fun, Pride Profit...in that Order”. We build A Better Partnership through:

• Lockstep Compensation - Our compensation model encourages teamwork and distinguishes us from our competitors. Partner and associate salaries are set based upon seniority, not total hours worked, encouraging client legal projects to be routed to the most knowledgeable person in the firm. Our team approach to compensation yields better legal representation for our clients and lays the foundation for a fun culture without internal financial competition. We have a team atmosphere where people like working together and supporting each other.
• Diversity – At Warner, we take an “all in” approach to DEI – engaging people at all levels of the firm to lead and participate on DEI committees and initiatives. This ensures a broad base of support from team members truly invested in leading the charge. It’s because of their time and efforts we are as successful as we are – and that success radiates throughout the whole firm. Our DEI work has become not only the right thing to do, but more importantly, what our people want to do.
• Careers – Our culture of balanced personal and professional lifestyle allows us to maintain a 94% attorney retention rate. Attorneys throughout Michigan, the region and beyond are choosing Warner as their forever home – and because of our dedicated focus on living balanced lives, our attorneys’ families are fully supporting these important decisions.
• Community – Warner’s time-honored community engagement initiatives include financial contributions to 150 nonprofits, scholarships and paid time off for all firm members to engage in community initiatives that are meaningful to them.
  
  

Closing Statement

Warner hires top talent at every point in our organization. We are seeking dedicated professionals with diverse backgrounds who strive to support the firm and its goals. Our collegial culture attracts people with diverse skills and backgrounds who are dedicated to teamwork and client service.