Job Type: Full-Time, In-Person
Job Summary: The Houston office of McGinnis Lochridge is seeking a highly motivated, tech-savvy, self-starter Legal Assistant to work with and provide support on a dynamic range of cases and administrative matters for four different attorneys with diverse practices including complex business litigation and U.S. international trade laws. The Legal Assistant will also assist the four lawyers with their individual business development and marketing efforts.
The ideal candidate will be a team player with advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook), dedication to excellence and client service, and a lifelong learner who enjoys learning and applying new skills, software, and technology.
McGinnis Lochridge offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, paid training, parking allowance, paid leave time, and business casual work environment. Visit mcginnislaw.com for more information. This is a unique opportunity for the right candidate!
About the Firm: For over 90 years, McGinnis Lochridge has provided legal expertise to clients across Texas, the U.S., and the world, through its offices in Austin, Houston, Dallas, Decatur, and McAllen, Texas. Texas. The firm advises and represents prestigious clients on a wide array of complex matters while maintaining a collegial working environment. The firm serves clients in many areas, including oil and gas, international trade law, commercial litigation, electric energy, employment law, financial services, technology, wealth preservation, healthcare, hospitality, higher education, and real estate.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manages organization of case documents, discovery, pleadings, communications, drafts, and other files and records in document management system (iManage).
- Drafts discovery, pleadings, policies, procedures, presentations, and other documents for attorneys.
- Must be capable of independently using advanced Microsoft Word skills such as automated Tables of Contents, automated formatting through styles, creation of automated Tables of Authorities, and more.
- Creates initial drafts of Power Point presentations for attorneys, based on preliminary content and information provided by attorneys. The Legal Assistant must have proficiency in Microsoft Power Point, with skills such as Smart Art, and advanced font and formatting.
- Assists in building Excel spreadsheets for attorneys based on financial and other types of data using advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Builds and maintains project trackers in Microsoft Excel for attorneys.
- Proofs documents for accuracy in terms of grammar, spelling, and formatting.
- Calendars litigation deadlines based on case events such as pleadings, discovery, and orders, and schedules and coordinates depositions, court reporters, and videographers.
- Provides customer service to incoming clients, vendors and colleagues through email, telephone, and voicemail.
- Manages incoming email, calendar, and contacts for attorneys, as requested by attorneys, using Microsoft Outlook.
- Prepares and submits expense reports through the firm’s expense software.
- Runs conflict checks (Intapp).
- Provides timely and effective follow-up and follow-through on outstanding matters.
- Inputs information into timekeeping (iTimekeep and LMS+) and billing software and systems.
- Schedules appointments, receives and makes telephone calls, opens and sorts mail, makes travel arrangements, and performs other administrative duties.
- E-files in state and federal courts and arranges for service on opposing parties.
- Creates and organizes binders of documents.
- Maintains privacy rules by not revealing information other than to the appropriate parties involved in a legal action.
Requirements:
- Legal Assistant, Paralegal, or Legal Secretary experience a plus.
- McGinnis Lochridge is a collaborative work environment. This is an in-person position, five days per week, not a remote or hybrid position.
- Strong proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat. Familiarity with MS Access a plus.
- Experience in business development and/or marketing a plus.
- Proficiency in document management software and/or billing software a plus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Detail-oriented and able to prioritize.
- Professional, polite, and positive client-centric attitude.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule: 8-hour shift; overtime is occasionally required beyond 5PM to meet case deadlines and client deliverables.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to hr@mcginnislaw.com. A cover letter (including salary expectation) is required, and applications without cover letters will not be reviewed. McGinnis Lochridge is an equal employment opportunity employer.
