Law Firm Seeks Senior Practice Assistant with Exceptional Organizational Skills and Legal Terminology Knowledge
K&L Gates, a global law firm, is seeking a Senior Practice Assistant to join their Boston office. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and decision-making abilities, as well as knowledge of legal terminology and client requirements. This position offers the opportunity to work directly with multiple partners and senior associates, managing their practices and completing complex administrative tasks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work directly with lawyers to manage their practices and complete administrative tasks
- Utilize knowledge of practice area-specific processes, legal terminology, and client requirements to identify and resolve issues
- Maintain continuity of client service by working with lawyers, timekeepers, and Firm departments
- Possess exceptional organizational skills, sound judgment, and decision-making abilities
- Work independently and/or within a team with minimal supervision
- Maintain confidentiality with Firm and client matters at all times
- Adhere to all Firm policies and procedures
Key Relationships:
- Timekeepers
- Clients
- Managers
- Practice assistants
- Senior practice assistants
- Practice specialists
- Local and Firmwide Shared Support Services team members
Essential Duties:
- Create, edit, and proofread correspondence and practice area-specific legal documents
- Generate document comparison reports and assemble documents and binders
- Respond to general client inquiries and meet client requests in a timely manner
- Prepare and coordinate court and other legal filings
- Provide trial and hearing support
- Assist with new business intake process
- Maintain organized electronic and physical files
- Coordinate and enter daily time recording for timekeepers
- Prepare monthly client invoices
- Understand and draft alternative fee arrangements
- Assist with client and matter budgets, track payments, and assist with collection efforts
- Prepare and submit expense reimbursement reports
- Code and submit vendor invoices for payment
- Utilize Firm resources for research purposes
- Assist with administrative support such as Continuing Legal Education tracking and attorney licensing renewals
- Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements
- Answer and place telephone calls, maintain calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate logistics
- Provide training and orientation for new staff members
- Assist with overflow work and provide back-up legal and reception support
- Provide occasional marketing and business development support
- Perform other relevant administrative duties as directed
Experience and Skills Required:
- Excellent client service skills
- Positive attitude and ability to work well in a team
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written
- Ability to listen, suggest, and offer assistance to colleagues and lawyers
- Ability to use reliable judgment and analytical skills to achieve positive business results
- Ability to work independently, organize, prioritize, and meet deadlines
- Capability to understand and follow specific, detailed instructions
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and diplomacy in sensitive situations
- Willingness to take advantage of professional development opportunities
- Maintain an organized and secure work station
- Previous experience in a similar role within a medium to large law or professional services Firm is a plus
Additional Abilities Required:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Familiarity with document management systems and other business process applications
- Typing speed of 65 words per minute or above
- Willingness to work occasional overtime as needed
- Ability to work in an office setting and perform routine tasks on a computer and other standard office equipment
Compensation and Benefits:
- Salary range of $79,000 - $132,000, determined during the interview process based on various factors
- Comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan, and more
- Inclusive and socially conscious work environment that embraces diversity
- Opportunities for professional development and advancement
About the Firm:
K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents in more than 40 offices. They are committed to working together to create a legacy for their professionals, clients, and communities. The firm takes pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination, and an entrepreneurial spirit, guiding their clients through complex legal issues in various industries and regions of the world.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The Firm is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and competence. They do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, gender, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, familial status, domestic violence victim status, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Benefits:
- Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage
- Back-up Child/Elder Care and Caregiving Concierge
- Dental Insurance
- Wellness Program
- Vision Insurance
- Pre-tax Commuting Benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing
- Business Travel Accident Insurance
- Short- and Long-term Disability Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Health Advocacy Services
- Paid Time Off
- Identity Protection/Restoration and Fraud Insurance
- Parental Leave
- Student Loan Refinancing Options
- Paid Holidays
- Addiction Resources
- Family Building Benefits
- Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Bonuses and Expense Reimbursements
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional Development and CLE Credit Opportunities
- 529 Deductions
- Relocation
- Accident Insurance
- Employee Referral Program
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Perks such as technology, entertainment, and travel discount programs
- Bereavement Leave
- All other benefits required by law
Apply today to join the team at K&L Gates and make a meaningful impact
