Legal Secretary - Columbia

Legal Secretary
At Fisher Phillips, we know exceptional talent is the key to our success, to providing the best service to our internal and external clients. Being a part of the Fisher Phillips team means you will work with cutting edge technology in a professional and fun environment under leadership ready to invest in your professional development. If you have a growth mindset, are eager to challenge yourself, and desire to work with a team of professionals instituting change on an ongoing basis, keep reading.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Fisher Phillips is an international labor and employment law firm, and we are looking for a Legal Secretary to work in our Columbia office. This position has dual performance function, first supports the delivery of quality legal services to clients by providing secretarial and administrative assistance to attorneys, performing complex and specialized secretarial and clerical tasks, and working collaboratively and cooperative with others in a team-oriented environment. This position supports a set of attorneys as a primary assignment and also provides back-up secretarial assistance to others as assigned.
For more information about the firm, please visit us at our website at www.fisherphillips.com.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs e-filings, prepares pleadings notebooks, updates indexes and prepares exhibits.
• Maintains and organizes files in an orderly manner.
• Ability to draft standard pleadings, correspondence, memoranda and other documents.
• Timely reviews and ensures accuracy of vendor invoices; prepares accurate check requests and timely submits invoices for payment to client or accounting.
• Possesses knowledge of client-specific billing guidelines and restrictions and consistently applies those guidelines to ensure cost-effective practices.
• Participates in the timely review and submission of prebills and/or client bills.
• Possesses strong clerical skills including typing, transcribing, word processing, mail and contact management, spreadsheets, presentations, and all of the firm's systems and databases.
• Accurately files court documents both electronically and in document form and able to determine and follow any local or judge specific requirements related to same.
• Exhibits good judgment and organizational skills to receive, record and disseminate all information on behalf of the clients and assigned attorneys (e.g., mail, interoffice mail, email, etc.)
• Consistently provides friendly and helpful telephone support and/or receptionist relief.
• Ensures that mail is sent out of the office, i.e. regular mail, certified mail, or overnight mail.
• Regularly and accurately proofreads all documents to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to distribution or filing.
• Regularly anticipates the needs of assigned attorneys in order to promote timekeeper efficiencies (i.e., drafts correspondence, prepares shell pleading and discovery documents in advance).
• Routinely reviews and follows-up on client deadlines and calendar appointments.
• Coordinates and makes necessary arrangements for meetings (i.e., depositions, mediations, interviews, and vendor and facility reservations).
• Assists assigned attorneys with completing and tracking CLE compliance, presentations and training programs, other business development activities, and organizing all other non-billable activities.
• Accurately prepares and submits client intake forms.
• Follows the standard naming and profiling conventions when scanning, emailing, and saving documents to the document management system.
• Regularly and consistently updates client files, notebooks, and pleading indices.
• Maintains attorney specific case lists, charts, and status of cases and outcomes.
• Consistently updates all applicable contact records (including attorney's outlook and firm database).
• Timely reviews, follows-up on, and accurately files client-related emails.
• Properly prioritizes work assignments.
• Seeks appropriate assistance (from the office manager or attorneys) when conflicts arise.
• Consistently completes assigned tasks when expected.
• Able to juggle multiple assignments and/or deadlines while maintaining a professional demeanor and timely seeks assistance when needed.
• Willing and capable to offer assistance to others when needed.
• Enters, reviews and revises timesheets accurately.
• Proofreads all documents independently and effectively to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Develops, implements, and maintains systems to promote organization and efficiency.
• Understands and complies with office policies concerning file management, case lists, filing and recordkeeping.
• Effectively manages and monitors calendaring of deadlines and key dates.
• Exhibits knowledge of litigation process.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of a high school diploma required (College degree is preferred, but not required).
• Minimum of five years of experience as a Legal Secretary required.
• Lexis Nexis, Pacer, ECF, Desksite or document management system, CompuLaw, Concur, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Attendance & Punctuality: Be consistently at work and on time; arrive at meetings and appointments on time; ensure work responsibilities are covered when absent.
• Communication: Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Customer Service: Respond promptly to attorney and client requests for service and assistance; meet commitments.
• Dependability: Follow instructions; complete tasks on time; commit to the hours necessary to complete assignments; work independently.
• Professionalism: Approach others in a tactful manner; treat others with respect; react well under pressure.
• Team Work: Contribute to building a positive team spirit; support everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Technical Skills: Possess basic PC skills; ability to use phone system, copier, scanner, fax, and printer.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legal terminology, legal documents, and legal processes in the Litigation Department, including the ability to mark and generate a table of contents and table of authorities.
• Accurate typing at a net speed of 65+ wpm (shorthand/speedwriting a plus).
• Strong computer proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), Document Management System, Time Entry, e-Filing and database software.

WHAT WE PROVIDE
Fisher Phillips offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible staff that includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k) and profit sharing, life insurance, long-term disability, and an employee assistance program. We also offer optional benefits such as critical care, accident and hospital indemnity insurance, a student loan refinancing program, life insurance for dependents, and pet insurance.
No relocation costs. Principals only; no calls please.
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex (including childbirth, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.
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