Legal Assistant Supervisor/Lead Paralegal

SUMMARY

Direct Counsel is seeking a Legal Assistant Supervisor/Lead Paralegal. This role supports the Senior Manager, Practice Management & Client Services, performs advanced litigation tasks, and overseas the Firm’s Paralegals and Legal Assistant Team (“LA Team”). He or she is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day workflow of the Firm’s Paralegals, Senior Legal Assistants, and Legal Assistants, who provide assistance on client matters, administrative initiatives, and support in all phases of client engagements. The Legal Assistant Supervisor/Lead Paralegalmakes day-to-day staffing and process decisions for Paralegals and the LA Team and has direct input on performance management for them. He or she shall report directly to the Senior Manager, Practice Management & Client Services. This position is fully remote and requires flexibility for in-office days as necessary. Candidates must be located in the Chantilly, VA or Chicago, IL commuting area.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, TASKS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises the Paralegals, Senior Legal Assistants, and Legal Assistants including assigning work, reviewing work, and monitoring processes and procedures to ensure efficiency and quality of work
• Coordinates the preparation of materials requested by Firm Timekeepers and Administration, and tracks progress to ensure all assignments are completed accurately and timely
• Oversees the Paralegals in the docketing process and entry of deadlines into the CompuLaw System
• Trains paralegals to conduct research, and overseas Paralegals as well as LA team members in thorough and meticulous cite checking of all legal and thought leadership documents
• Works with Senior Manager, Practice Management & Client Services to recruit, interview, and hire applicants for Paralegal, Senior Legal Assistant, and Legal Assistants positions and makes recommendations for hiring, promotion, disciplinary action, and termination
• Works with Senior Manager, Practice Management & Client Services to identify and implement training programs for Paralegals, Senior Legal Assistants, and Legal Assistants
• Works with Senior Manager, Practice Management & Client Services to modify and/or streamline existing processes and procedures
• Evaluates employee performance and resolves issues as needed; ensures appropriate documentation is provided to Human Resources for all performance related matters
• Assists in analyzing and reporting on Paralegals, Senior Legal Assistants, and Legal Assistants’ time to assess workload, productivity, and ability to meet ongoing Firm needs
• Mentors and supports Paralegals, Senior Legal Assistants, and Legal Assistants
• As necessary, performs essential duties, tasks, and responsibilities of Paralegals and the LA Team such as:
• Reviewing and editing legal documents, acting as the subject matter expert for NIT review proofreading assignments
• Assigns and tracks 2LR process for review of external facing materials by Firm subject matter experts
• Assists in the drafting, organization, and editing of client deliverables
• Reviews deliverables for completeness and standardization of style and format
• Documents meeting minutes and interview notes, and circulates same for review
• Assumes more complex projects and special assignments with limited supervision
• Assists case teams in the development of materials in support of client matters
• Coordinates internal and client meetings and schedules
• Conducts research, including analysis of findings in memos and reports
• Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and efficiency
• Tracks billable and non-billable time, expenses, and other administrative tasks
• Ensures appropriate in-office support coverage is provided for both Chicago and Chantilly offices, including coordination of rotating LA team weekly coverage
• Performs general clerical and in-office support duties, when needed
• Performs other related duties as assigned

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Maintains strict confidentiality in all aspects of client and staff information
• Ability to exercise exceptional judgment and to maintain thorough and open communication
• Demonstrates superior client service, integrity, and commitment to efficiency
• Exhibits willingness to take direction and communicate effectively at all levels
• Possesses extraordinary attention to detail, superior command of grammar and punctuation, advanced writing skills, and meticulous proofreading skills
• Excels in critical thinking and analytical tasks, with proven organizational skills
• Has experience training and mentoring others in areas needing improvement
• Manages multiple projects and priorities simultaneously with consistent, timely follow-up
• Is highly skilled in MS office including advanced abilities in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Docketing software experience, preferably CompuLaw
• Works effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Thrives in a culturally diverse work group
• Approaches tasks with a strong sense of urgency, ability to handle time pressures, and acumen in anticipating the needs of internal and external clients
• Has developed a strong and accurate sense of when to act independently versus when to consult with others
• Functions best in a high-energy, fast paced environment
• Ability to improve quality, cost, delivery, and productivity through continuous improvement activities desirable
• Has experience with Orion software or willingness to learn and train others in use of Orion

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; higher preferred or related work experience
• Paralegal Certificate preferred
• Litigation experience required
• Knowledge of e-filing throughout U.S. jurisdictions
• 7-10 years of experience in the legal field in a litigation related role
• Solid understanding of people management and litigation processes and procedures

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasionally lifts objects weighing up to 10 pounds
• Frequently reaches and grasps with arms and hands; occasionally stoops and bends; must have manual dexterity
• Ability to closely examine and inspect materials
• Ability to identify and distinguish colors
• Ability to travel as needed
• Frequently uses a keyboard to enter or transform words or data
• Work is performed in a normal office environment where there are few physical discomforts due to dust, dirt, noise, and the like

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Chantilly, VA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person