Practice Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Ascension Global Staffing & Executive Search, a Hispanic Women Owned & Operated National Recruiting Firm stands at the forefront of innovation and excellence.

Led by a visionary team with a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, our firm is dedicated to identifying and attracting top talent across the nation.

With a unique blend of cultural insight and professional expertise, we pride ourselves on creating an environment that fosters success for both employers and candidates.

Ascension Global Staffing & Executive Search is seeking a Practice Assistant in its client's Miami office.

Position Summary : The Practice Assistant (PA) works under the supervision of attorneys and performs a wide range of legal services, including administrative and legal office procedures assigned to a particular group and as a team member.

The Practice Assistant responsibilities vary depending upon the practice group to which they are assigned. The Practice Assistant works with legal assistants, other practice assistants, marketing, information services, and knowledge department personnel to deliver legal services to clients.

The Practice Assistant position requires the ability to perform duties of a responsible and confidential nature with the skill to multi-task for several individuals.

The Practice Assistant works together with teammates to provide excellent quality service to all internal and external clients.

Duties and Accountabilities Effectively multi-task and properly prioritize among multiple requests in a fast-paced environment.

Interface professionally with the attorneys within the practice group and the Firm, as well as with outside constituencies.

Communicate clearly and accurately any issues with workload to the assigned attorneys on a timely basis; interpret instructions to produce quality work product and keep legal staff apprised of the status of work and any problems with systems or programs.

Use discretion when needed and keep information confidential. Must be a self-starter who undertakes anticipated future work after given assignments are completed.

Must be a team player; ability to foster good relationships with other members of the team; and must be flexible and able to adapt quickly to changes in workflow requests.

Must possess strong interpersonal skills.

Technical Skills Demonstrate proficiency in all Microsoft software programs : Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to quickly learn and master new software suites (i.

e. Firm and practice-related software applications). Significant knowledge of Superior and District courts, as well as knowledge of Appellate court systems.

Knowledge of arbitrations and arbitration filings. Excellent understanding of discovery, motions, subpoenas, summons and complaints, and any court document that must be responded to in a timely manner.

Knowledge of Pacer, court e-filings, Legal Solutions, and court rules. Ability to quickly locate court rules and forms on the Internet.

Ability to create shell pleadings and discovery documents. Significant understanding of court deadlines, calendaring and Firm's docketing procedures.

Ability to quickly learn how to draft grammatically correct routing letters, memos, reports, and e-mails in Firm style and format.

Proficiency in proper business grammar usage and punctuation, and legal and business spelling. Ability to transcribe machine dictation.

Ability to use office equipment such as scanners and copiers. Ability to manage and organize electronic and paper files.

Basic math skills. Must type 65 wpm (minimum) accurately. Administrative Skills Manage bills and collections files. Create and maintain Outlook contacts and e-mail distribution lists.

Manage attorney calendar. Draft, proofread for accuracy, and release time sheets. Maintain updated and accurate client and matter lists.

Complete conflict search reports. Manage Interwoven project folders. Assist with client development and research. Manage and submit expense reports.

Manage activity and availability report programs. Plan and organize workflow to comply with established time constraints, in order to meet deadlines.

Carry out projects assigned effectively and on a timely basis. Work in an organized and efficient manner. Use good judgment at all times and ask follow-up questions if instructions are unclear.

Show excellent attention to detail and be familiar with the resources available. Have a thorough knowledge of department and Firm procedures and follow policies and guidelines.

Keep Desk Reference information up to date and keep it easily accessible for use by other Practice Assistants. Make travel arrangements (including transportation, lodging, and meals), and prepare business itineraries.

Arrange overtime coverage with Document Production department for lawyers and legal staff. Must be flexible with work hours based on needs of the Firm and must arrive to work on time.

Qualifications At least five (5) years of law firm experience, preferably in commercial litigation case work. A high school diploma is required.

A college degree is advantageous, but not required. Exposure to a large international law firm is beneficial, but not required.

Foreign language skills are a plus. Practice Assistants possessing foreign language skills may be asked to translate documents and conversations.

Clear and concise written and verbal communication style, including correct use of grammar, spelling and punctuation. Strong organization skills.

Professional telephone demeanor and etiquette. Ability to work under pressure and with a variety of personalities. Good judgment.

High ethical standards. Location and Reporting This role reports to the Miami Office Administrator, Office Operations and is based in our Miami Office.