Legal Administrative Assistant

Faegre Drinker is a firm designed for clients and designed for you. We understand that our people are critical to our success and we are committed to investing in our paraprofessional, administrative and operations professionals. We are always looking for talented, service-focused individuals to join our flexible and high-performing culture. With technology tools and resources that support our hybrid work environment, our colleagues enjoy a culture of learning, support for work and personal goals, opportunities to give back to our communities, and competitive benefits and rewards programs. At Faegre Drinker, you will have the opportunity to share your expertise within and across teams and contribute to our success.

Job Description Summary:

Faegre Drinker has an opportunity for a Legal Administrative Assistant to work with our Private Client practice group in our Chicago office. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to providing a full range of legal administrative support to the assignments in a timely and efficient manner. This position will work with other talented individuals who share a passion for doing great work in the best interest of our clients.

Job Description:

What you would do:

• Assist in the compilation of necessary data and information from clients relating to real property, personal property, and information necessary to prepare trust & estate planning documents
• Prepare initial drafts and make edits as directed to any necessary probate documents
• Assist in obtaining necessary Letters Testamentary or other documents to allow timekeepers to administer estates
• Keep track of critical court and statutory imposed deadlines relating to estate administration and probate
• Assist in the preparation and editing of any necessary documents
• Create, maintain, and properly close client and matter files
• Manage the conflict check process, prepare engagement agreements, and establish necessary financial information to allow for time entry and invoicing
• Enter time on behalf of assignments, process vendor invoices, submit expense reimbursements and coordinate the client billing process
• Schedule meetings, conference calls and travel arrangements
• Other administrative tasks, as assigned

What is expected:

• Ability to problem-solve
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a virtual environment (e.g., via phone, web/videoconference)
• Ability to concentrate on tasks, make decisions and work calmly and effectively in a high-pressure, deadline-orientated environment
• Demonstrated ability to use good judgment in taking initiative while asking for direction or clarification and consulting others, as appropriate
• Willingness to be flexible with time and adjust to a changing work environment
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships, both internally and externally, while maintaining a client service orientation in a collaborative environment
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize and accurately prioritize work, be detail-oriented, understand when urgency is required and use good judgment in varied situations

What we offer:

• Flexible, hybrid working environment for work-life success
• Opportunity to participate in firm-sponsored volunteer events
• Wellness programming with personalized content and activities
• Professional environment and the opportunity to work with experts at the top of their fields
• Variety of health plan options, as well as dental, vision and 401(k) plans
• Generous paid time off

The anticipated initial hourly rate for someone who is hired into this position is $31.79 – $38.97/hour annually based on a 37.5 hour a week schedule.

Actual initial hourly rate may be above or below the above-identified range and will be based on the relevant skills, training, experience, and other job-related factors, including the location where the position is filled, in all cases consistent with applicable law.  This is a non-exempt role paid on an hourly basis with a 37.5-hour schedule work week.  The initial hourly rate listed above is just one component of Faegre Drinker's total compensation and benefits package for professional staff, which includes, but is not limited to, a discretionary bonus; life, health, accident, and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan.

What is required:

• 5+ years of legal administrative experience preferred, with a background in billing, case management and client-facing projects
• Experience at Am Law 50/100 firms strongly preferred
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in trusts and estates/private client/probate preferred
• Minimum of high school graduation or GED; paralegal certificate or business degree preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Notary Public, preferred

Apply now if you are ready to join the Faegre Drinker team!

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of employment, including retirement, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline and termination.