Sidley Austin LLP
Legal Secretary
Summary
The work of the legal secretaries at Sidley Austin LLP (the "Firm") is critical to the overall operation of the Firm and the ability of each and every lawyer to serve the Firm's clients effectively. At the Firm, legal secretaries are considered professionals and important members of the team. An effective team is based on mutual respect, cooperation and commitment to a common goal.
When a secretary is hired by the Firm, she or he is hired by the Firm and not by a particular lawyer. Thus, secretaries are expected to play an active role in assisting their assigned lawyers - and, when necessary, assisting other lawyers and other secretaries - toward the common goal of providing the Firm's clients with the best service possible.
To be an effective member of the team, secretaries should familiarize themselves with Firm procedures, from the way files are organized in the Records Department to the billing procedures of the Accounting Department. To be an integral part of a practice group, secretaries should also work with their assigned lawyers in establishing and maintaining the particular procedures of the practice group and the lawyer's individual requirements and procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities
Advanced skills in MicroSoft Office Suite (particularly, Outlook, Word, Excel)
Some knowledge of Document Management Systems (i.e., DeskSite)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
The use of good judgment and good interpersonal communication skills
Well developed analytical and problem solving skills
Strong time management skills
Requires strong computer and Internet research skills
Ability to multi‑task and prioritize work proficiently and effectively completes the same in a timely manner
Ability to work independently and anticipate needs of assignments
Maintains composure while meeting multiple deadlines (even with frequent interruptions)
Conserves assignments' time by reading, researching & routing email correspondence
On behalf of assignments, liaise with various support departments of the Firm
Maintains assignments' calendars, plans and schedules meetings, conferences, teleconferences, video conferences and travel; apprises assignment of schedule in advance of commitments
Analyzes, allocates, processes and monitors complex expense reports
Maintains and updates assignments' client/matter lists, Outlook contacts and Marketing mailing lists
Responsible for assignments' annual mailings
Researches and routes correspondence
Produces information by formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying and transmitting documents
Proofreads and reviews all work produced
Receives, screens and transfers telephone calls; relays telephone messages according to method preferred by assignments (e.g., written messages, email, or voicemail)
Responsible for submitting requests for conflicts reports; prepares and monitors creation of new business forms
Coordinates client billing with billing specialist
Enters, proofreads and finalizes assignments' time entries on a daily basis
Maintains assigned lawyers' files pursuant to the Firm's Policy on Records Management
Support visiting lawyers/clients when required
Ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff as well as outside clients and vendors
Works harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a team
A self‑starter who desires to show ownership and commitment to the job; accepts responsibility for actions
Exercises confidentiality and discretion
Volunteers to assist others and seeks out work during slow periods in work load
Continues to develop skills and abilities
Maintains a safe and unobstructed work area, including a neat and well‑organized desk; demonstrates safe work practices
Other duties, as assigned
Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.
Target Salary Range $63,000 - $123,000 if located in New York
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).
Education and/or Experience:
Required:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
2 – 10+ years related experience and/or training.
Demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Demonstrated proficiency in basic knowledge of legal terminology, formatting of legal documents and practice group's systems and procedures (e.g., court procedures, closings).
Preferred:
B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college or university.
Previous experience in a professional services firm (not necessarily all in a law firm).
Types accurately at 60–70 wpm.
Proficiency in advanced functions of Microsoft suite (e.g., Adobe).
Excellent command of Blackline packages such as DeltaView.
Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer
#LI-HM1
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When a secretary is hired by the Firm, she or he is hired by the Firm and not by a particular lawyer. Thus, secretaries are expected to play an active role in assisting their assigned lawyers - and, when necessary, assisting other lawyers and other secretaries - toward the common goal of providing the Firm's clients with the best service possible.
To be an effective member of the team, secretaries should familiarize themselves with Firm procedures, from the way files are organized in the Records Department to the billing procedures of the Accounting Department. To be an integral part of a practice group, secretaries should also work with their assigned lawyers in establishing and maintaining the particular procedures of the practice group and the lawyer's individual requirements and procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities
Advanced skills in MicroSoft Office Suite (particularly, Outlook, Word, Excel)
Some knowledge of Document Management Systems (i.e., DeskSite)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
The use of good judgment and good interpersonal communication skills
Well developed analytical and problem solving skills
Strong time management skills
Requires strong computer and Internet research skills
Ability to multi‑task and prioritize work proficiently and effectively completes the same in a timely manner
Ability to work independently and anticipate needs of assignments
Maintains composure while meeting multiple deadlines (even with frequent interruptions)
Conserves assignments' time by reading, researching & routing email correspondence
On behalf of assignments, liaise with various support departments of the Firm
Maintains assignments' calendars, plans and schedules meetings, conferences, teleconferences, video conferences and travel; apprises assignment of schedule in advance of commitments
Analyzes, allocates, processes and monitors complex expense reports
Maintains and updates assignments' client/matter lists, Outlook contacts and Marketing mailing lists
Responsible for assignments' annual mailings
Researches and routes correspondence
Produces information by formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying and transmitting documents
Proofreads and reviews all work produced
Receives, screens and transfers telephone calls; relays telephone messages according to method preferred by assignments (e.g., written messages, email, or voicemail)
Responsible for submitting requests for conflicts reports; prepares and monitors creation of new business forms
Coordinates client billing with billing specialist
Enters, proofreads and finalizes assignments' time entries on a daily basis
Maintains assigned lawyers' files pursuant to the Firm's Policy on Records Management
Support visiting lawyers/clients when required
Ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff as well as outside clients and vendors
Works harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a team
A self‑starter who desires to show ownership and commitment to the job; accepts responsibility for actions
Exercises confidentiality and discretion
Volunteers to assist others and seeks out work during slow periods in work load
Continues to develop skills and abilities
Maintains a safe and unobstructed work area, including a neat and well‑organized desk; demonstrates safe work practices
Other duties, as assigned
Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.
Target Salary Range $63,000 - $123,000 if located in New York
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).
Education and/or Experience:
Required:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
2 – 10+ years related experience and/or training.
Demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Demonstrated proficiency in basic knowledge of legal terminology, formatting of legal documents and practice group's systems and procedures (e.g., court procedures, closings).
Preferred:
B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college or university.
Previous experience in a professional services firm (not necessarily all in a law firm).
Types accurately at 60–70 wpm.
Proficiency in advanced functions of Microsoft suite (e.g., Adobe).
Excellent command of Blackline packages such as DeltaView.
Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer
#LI-HM1
#J-18808-Ljbffr