McDermott Will & Emery

Legal Practice Specialist - Private Client

McDermott Will & Emery • $80K — $112K *
Chicago, IL 60629Hybrid
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
More than 3 months ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 7 years in legal secretarial or support roles, preferably in private client practice.
  • Proficient in electronic filings with state and county agencies and courts.
  • Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Professional demeanor with strong client service orientation and attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Discretion and ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

Responsibilities

  • Build and maintain effective relationships with clients and team members through professional interactions.
  • Assist with document preparation, including editing, proofreading, and formatting.
  • Communicate efficiently with external parties to manage scheduling and document transmittals.
  • Manage attorney calendars and Outlook emails, ensuring timely reminders for deadlines.
  • Coordinate logistics for meetings, including tech support and catering arrangements.
  • Review and edit prebills for accuracy and maintain communication with the billing department.
  • Handle client intakes, including conflict inquiries and engagement letters.

Benefits

  • Recognized as a top workplace by various reputable organizations.
  • Supportive culture that encourages authenticity and inclusion.
  • Comprehensive wellness programs focusing on physical, emotional, and mental health.
  • Generous compensation packages reflecting individual contributions and excellence.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Legal Practice Specialist is an integral member of McDermott's legal team. This position supports the Private Client Practice Group by providing a high level of service and support for their assigned attorneys while consistently producing excellent work product. This position is expected to maintain a general knowledge of business services policies and procedures, practice areas and clients of the Firm. The Legal Practice Specialist must maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive matters and materials related to clients and the Firm. A successful Legal Practice Specialist takes ownership of their role, puts clients first, is adaptable to the evolving needs of the team and actively seeks creative ways to partner with attorneys provide the highest level of client service.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Build effective working relationships with clients, internal and external, through regular interactions in a friendly, helpful, and professional manner
  • Provide exceptional support in document preparation, including editing, proofreading, and redlining documents for accuracy, grammar, and formatting
  • Ability to communicate professionally, discreetly and effectively with outside parties (including clients, advisors and other counsel) to coordinate scheduling, transmittal of documents and related items
  • Proactively manage attorney Outlook email (when requested) and calendar to include providing reminders of responses needed and impending deadlines and obligations
  • Ensure accuracy of contact and other pertinent information within Outlook and the firmwide contact, billing, and marketing databases
  • Provide meticulous support in arranging and coordinating logistics for meetings, including video/audio conferencing, room assignments, hand-outs and catering requests
  • Proactively manage monthly client billings by reviewing and editing prebills; liaise with billing department to ensure client billings guidelines are followed and bills are sent timely
  • Oversee attorney expense reports and vendor invoices through to completion to include, ensuring complete documentation is provided, prompt submission, and necessary follow-up
  • Establish and maintain paper and electronic files in compliance with current Firm policies utilizing the Firm's Document Management System
  • Manage client intake process, including generating client conflict inquiries, opening new matters and preparing engagement letters
  • Maintain contact information and activities with clients and prospective clients in our CRM system
  • Effectively leverage time by delegating administrative tasks to support team
  • Perform complex tasks which may be highly confidential and sensitive, and require discretion and diplomacy


Job Specifications:
  • At least seven (7) years of legal secretarial or support experience, private client practice experience is a plus
  • Experience with electronic filings with state and county agencies and courts
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Extremely professional, discreet and mature demeanor and presentation
  • Strong client service skills with high-level standards of excellence in work product and communications to meet or exceed client and Firm expectations
  • Strong problem-solving skills with ability to take initiative and use good judgment and excellent follow-up skills
  • Strong organizational skills, ability to manage time and delegation to appropriate office staff
  • Strong attention to detail in proofreading and editing documents, including knowledge of correct grammar and punctuation
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
  • Strong problem-solving skills with ability to take initiative and use good judgment and excellent follow-up skills
  • Ability to maintain and handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and diplomacy
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Willingness to obtain notary qualification and serve as notary at client meetings to execute documents
  • Required to work in the office a minimum of three (3) days each week.


Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

Target Hiring Range $80,000 - $112,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWS provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear
  • Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds


Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.

About McDermott Will & Emery

McDermott Will & Emery is a premier international law firm with a diversified business practice. Our lawyers represent a wide range of commercial, industrial and financial enterprises, both publically and privately held. McDermott has more than 1,100 lawyers located in 18 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia. Further extending our reach in Asia, we have a strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices in Shanghai. McDermott partners with clients to accomplish their business objectives by providing superior counsel and service. The expansion of our international platform has supported numerous cross-border transactions and litigation matters, while providing the experience necessary to offer corporate, tax, labor and benefits, competition, intellectual property and regulatory counsel to clients across all industries. In the years to come, we will continue to expand geographically and enhance our existing practices and industry-focused strengths, and are committed to building from these strengths in order to best serve our clients and communities. McDermott has a long history of social responsibility and supporting the communities in which our people live and work. We believe it is our obligation to embrace our communities and promote their well being through pro bono work, community service, charitable giving, environmental stewardship and promoting diversity.

McDermott Will & Emery Careers

Joining McDermott Will & Emery presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance a career at a global leader in legal services. The firm is renowned for fostering professional growth and embracing innovation through a culture that values diversity and leadership.

Explore Job Opportunities

McDermott Will & Emery offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. The firm seeks passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players ready to contribute to a dynamic team. From seasoned attorneys to support staff, McDermott Will & Emery is continuously hiring to enhance their service capabilities.

Internship Programs

Internships at McDermott Will & Emery provide a robust platform for early-career individuals to gain significant, hands-on experience in a highly professional environment. Interns are immersed in the culture of excellence, working closely with experienced professionals while engaging in real-world legal challenges.

Career Growth and Development

McDermott Will & Emery is committed to the professional development of its team members. The firm offers unmatched training, development programs, and leadership workshops to ensure career trajectories are not only met but exceeded. Employees are encouraged to leverage these opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.

Diversity and Inclusion

The firm holds a strong commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. McDermott Will & Emery believes in empowering all employees through diversity training that enriches the professional environment and fosters a deeper understanding and respect among colleagues.

Benefits and Culture

McDermott Will & Emery prides itself on offering competitive benefits that reflect the firm’s appreciation for its team members. Benefits are designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of all employees and their families. The firm's culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and collaboration, making it a prime environment for professional fulfillment.

Networking and Innovation

Networking within McDermott Will & Emery is supported through various events, seminars, and collaborative projects that encourage connections and foster innovative thinking. Employees are encouraged to build networks that can support personal and professional growth.

Applying for a Position

To apply for a position at McDermott Will & Emery, candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter through the firm’s Careers page. The hiring process may include multiple stages of interviews to ensure a mutual fit both for the candidate and the company.

Stay Connected with McDermott Will & Emery Careers

Interested professionals can stay informed about new openings and company news by subscribing to job alert emails. These updates provide valuable insights into the firm and the legal industry, helping potential candidates find the right opportunities.

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Learn more about McDermott Will & Emery
Industry
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Founded
1934
* Ladders Estimates

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