Legal Assistant

(Any Commercial RE, Affordable Housing, Banking, Corporate, or Finance Law strongly preferred)

Location: Downtown Washington, DC, near two metro stops. This is a hybrid position.  In the first 90 days, you will be in the office three days a week; after 90 days, it will be two days a week.

$70,000 to $80,000

9:00 am to 6:00 pm M-F with occasional paid overtime, bonus, and yearend raise

This multi-practice national law firm with over 40 lawyers seeks a Legal Assistant with some real estate or affordable housing practice experience to support four attorneys with their busy and growing practice in the DC office.

The attorneys want an assistant who knows the ins and outs of document management, saving different versions using iManage – FileSite, editing documents in MS Word, Adobe, and Workshare Compare, and combining various files into one master document.  Enter time for the attorneys in a timekeeper program (SurePoint/LMS), submit expense reimbursements, handle large mailings, cover the reception desk, scan/distribute mail as needed, schedule appointments, and make domestic travel arrangements.  On occasion, you will assist attorneys in the firm’s other office.

You will assist the lawyers in preparing and finalizing legal documents relating to complex affordable real estate development transactions and regulatory filings.  Assist attorneys in preparing, organizing, and finalizing documents for closings, and assist in arranging for the execution thereof, including:

• Drafting and maintaining closing checklists.
• Coordinating execution of documents.
• Creating binders and CDs of closing transcriptions/documents
• Organize and maintain client and transaction files, including prompt filing of documents in the electronic database system.

Document and transaction management duties:

• Assist attorneys in preparing and finalizing legal documents relating to complex affordable real estate development transactions and regulatory filings.
• Assist attorneys in preparing, organizing and finalizing documents for closings, and assist in arranging for the execution thereof, including:
  • Drafting and maintaining closing checklists.
  • Coordinating execution of documents.
  • Creating binders and CDs of closing transcriptions/documents.
• Organize and maintain client and transaction files, including prompt filing of documents in the electronic database system.

Administrative duties:

• As requested, prepare professional, error-free letters, memoranda and email correspondence, whether for internal or external circulation and whether in hard copy or transmitted electronically.
• Greet and interact with clients with the utmost professionalism, ensuring that they feel comfortable and welcome, both in person and over the telephone.
• Maintain completeness and organization of firm document management system by complying with internal document naming and filing policies and procedures.
• Maintain attorney calendars, monitor deadlines and due dates on incoming correspondence, and assist attorneys in managing pending deadlines.
• Schedule appointments, make travel arrangements, answer telephones, and other similar administrative duties.
• Prepare attorney expense reports in a timely manner.
• Maintain attorney files on bar memberships, dues and CLE requirements.
• When working with partners and senior associates, review client invoices for accuracy and completeness, including as to prompt recording of client expenses; assist billing attorneys in complying with the Firm’s billing and collection policies.

Skills, Education and Experience: 

College degree is required.

At least 2 years as a Legal Assistant, Paralegal or Legal Administrative Assistant with some experience with a law firm in real estate, finance, or corporate transactional practice groups preferred.

Solid MS Office, including expertise in the table of contents and table of authorities, formatting codes, and styles.  SurePoint / LMS, iManage – FileSite, Adobe, Workshare Compare, and 50 wpm typing.

The firm culture is upbeat and team-focused, with a total of 45 attorneys firmwide.

The firm offers a competitive salary of up to $80,000 with paid overtime, incredible benefits, learning, and growth.