Job Description:
Established and well-known law firm in downtown Santa Barbara is seeking a full-time assistant to work primarily for two attorneys, support other attorneys, and assist in law firm-wide matters as appropriate, especially in real estate, business, contracts, estate planning, trust and estate administration, and probate, as well as litigation matters.
-Responsibilities-
Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Responsibilities to include but not limited to:
Handle inbound and outbound phone calls and correspondence (mail, email, fax, FedEx, deliveries, etc.) for your attorneys. Review and analyze incoming and outgoing communications for your attorneys and update all related matters, files, and records including but not limited to attorneys’ calendars, contacts, and action items and deadlines for open matters.
Coordinate and schedule meetings, conference calls, MCLE seminars and webinars, as well as other events, etc. for your attorneys. Create and prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, take notes, create summaries, and to-do lists for attorneys.
Organize, maintain, and update files, in both electronic and paper form (including scanning documents), for ongoing matters.
Draft, type, analyze, proofread, and edit memos, emails, letters, reports, presentations, pleadings, discovery, and other documents for attorneys’ review.
Perform legal research.
Keep accurate daily billing information for your time and assist your attorneys with their daily and accumulated billing entries. Prepare and proofread all bills. Prepare and send bills on a monthly basis and as requested by clients.
Perform occasional miscellaneous office errands for attorneys and/or other staff members as needed.
Work at the office during your scheduled hours, except for meal and rest breaks. Work overtime as necessary, with little to no notice.
File necessary pleadings and documents as instructed by attorneys.
-Qualifications-
Willingness to take initiative and responsibility: self-starter who is organized and accountable and can learn new programs and routines quickly.
Ability to think critically and acquire new skills.
Ability to diligently track deadlines and organize workflow to meet deadlines.
Desire to perform tasks assigned to completion with an eye for accuracy and eagerness to ask for more work when assigned tasks are finished.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including a professional demeanor on the phone, in writing, and in person.
Ability to maintain grace under pressure in a fast-paced and constantly changing law firm environment.
Pleasant to work with and have a sense of humor.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Willingness to work overtime.
Knowledge and previous experience with basic office technology, programs, systems, and equipment, including but not limited to: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Adobe Acrobat Professional; business phone systems; and, scanning and copying equipment. Proficiency in all office technology, programs, systems, and equipment (including CosmoLex Westlaw, and other law firm specific software programs) will be expected within a short period of time from hire.
Previous experience in estate planning, real estate, business, and/or litigation matters is preferred.
Previous experience in an office setting as an assistant is preferred.
Paralegal certificate preferred.
Notary certificate preferred. And
College degree preferred.
Applicant should be able start as soon as possible.
Compensation $70,000-$90,000 depending on experience and qualifications, plus benefits.
If you are interested in this position, please forward your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Please do not inquire by phone.
In your cover letter, set forth each of the Responsibilities listed above and discuss relevant qualifications, experience, and skills you have for each.