Phelps Dunbar LLP is an AmLaw 200 full-service law firm. Phelps Dunbar LLP is offering an opportunity for a Legal Assistant supporting a group of attorneys in the Southlake office through the performance of complex secretarial, administrative and substantive legal duties. Principal practice areas will include litigation, condemnation, and insurance defense.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leverage technology resources to ensure the group of attorneys is operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.
• Identify most efficient and effective manner to complete tasks.
• Prepare documents by formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, printing and transmitting text, data and graphics using office software applications.
• A knowledge and appreciation of the legal processes that facilitate the accurate preparation of client documents and responding to filing or closing deadlines.
• Prepare and coordinate e-filings in state and federal courts, including tracking of file-stamped copies of e-filings
• Handle incoming and outgoing mail, faxes and scan documents.
• Ensure that documents are saved and filed into the appropriate workspaces/folders in FileSite, and paper files, as necessary.
• Maintain the daily calendar of each attorney including, but not limited to, scheduling appointments, meetings, and travel arrangements.
• Maintain Outlook contacts for each attorney as appropriate.
• Maintain updated correspondence and pleadings files. Handle personally or oversee a records clerk as to filing, indexing, and creating sub-files.
• Maintain a master list for each file and update the list as new files or matters are opened. Maintain a master physical file location list.
• Open files, close files and assist with conflicts checks.
• Provide support to the attorneys with timesheets and regular billing matters.
• Request reimbursements for attorneys through Chrome River.
• Maintain a good working rapport with clients and court personnel which requires discretion and judgment.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job. Flexibility to work OT as driven by Litigation practice needs.

Education and Experience:

• A high school diploma or equivalency is required; an associate degree, business school certificate or related education is desirable.
• Five + years’ litigation assistance experience in a law firm environment.

Qualifications and Skills Required:

• Strong knowledge of and ability to apply office software applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF.
• Working knowledge of legal practices, terminology, documents, and court procedures.
• Working knowledge of the firm’s litigation and transactional support tools.
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively in a business environment.
• Flexible, solutions-oriented approach and the ability to work under pressure and handle multiple priorities from multiple sources.
• Excellent typing, spelling, grammar, proofreading, transcription, and general clerical skills.
• Ability to coordinate work activities; prepare legal correspondence and documents; organize and maintain files and records.
• Ability to follow detailed naming and formatting protocols of attorneys.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including personal computer, copier, multi-function printers, telephone, and facsimile.

Performance Measures:

The Legal Assistant will be evaluated by the attorneys in the work group and the Office Manager based upon, but not limited to, the following performance criteria:

• Ability to perform responsibilities as outlined above, both in terms of the quality and quantity of work.
• Expertise with available software and technology tools and understanding of secretarial and office procedures, equipment, and legal terminology.
• Attention to detail.
• Dependability and cooperation with attorneys, support staff, clients, and court personnel.
• Adherence to office policies and procedures.
• Professionalism and ability to communicate effectively and handle multiple priorities.

Salary range: $0 - $0