Litigation Legal Assistant

Litigation

USA - Washington 401 9th St

Hybrid (combination of office & remote working)

Job description

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work,  helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimize your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.

Role Summary 

Under the supervision of the Manager of Litigation Legal Assistants/Specialists and attorneys, the Legal Assistant will work closely with the Litigation Practice Group to provide support to lawyers throughout the litigation/arbitration process. This includes the initial information gathering stage, support with preparation of pleadings and correspondence, discovery (including assistance with the retrieval, review and production of documents), briefing (including assistance with filing in state and federal courts), trials, hearings, administrative proceedings, settlements, as well as careful archival of case material. The Legal Assistant must be exceptionally organized and proactive, willing and able to take ownership of tasks, and must deliver work product of the highest quality.
 
Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with document retrieval, review, organization, and production.
• Maintain case pleadings, correspondence, discovery and research.
• Manage case calendars.
• Support trial, hearing and arbitration preparation, including coordination of set-up and logistics; attend and assist at related proceedings.
• Compile document collection, production and privilege logs; maintain various case trackers; prepare exhibit lists.
• Coordinate and support attorneys at depositions and prepare witness kits.
• Assist attorneys with coordination, preparation and filing of briefs and other court filings in accordance with federal and state court rules, including adherence to strict deadlines and local and individual court practices.
• Cite-check, Shepardize and Bluebook briefs; prepare tables of contents and authorities, assemble accompanying exhibits.
• Conduct legal research using Bloomberg, Lexis, Westlaw, Pacer, etc.; prepare casebooks.
• Conduct detailed searches in document databases and utilize e-discovery tools.
• Coordinate work with outside document, discovery, court reporting and trial vendors.
• Attend practice group and case team meetings.
• Notarize documents.
• Prepare and release daily diaries and weekly timesheets.
• Assist with special projects, e.g., monitor topics of interest to attorneys, coordinate meetings, etc.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to produce high-quality work product under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to carefully and accurately follow instructions and prioritize work appropriately. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in a professional manner.
• Ability to take ownership of tasks and think creatively.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Ability to analyze information and solve problems.
• Knowledge of factual issues and court procedures for assigned matters.

• BS/BA degree.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint.

• Flexibility to work outside standard business hours.
• Flexibility to travel as needed.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 15 pounds.

Additional information - External

The annualized base salary range for this position is $60,000 to $62,000. The actual base salary offered will depend on the overall qualifications of the individual applicant for the position and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

A&O Shearman is an equal opportunity employer. Every individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment. It is A&O Shearman’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals, without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status or alienage, disability, pregnancy or related medical issue, military or qualified veteran status, familial status, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, gender, including gender identity, gender expression or transition status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and/or sex offenses, sexual and reproductive health decisions, unemployment status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of an individual’s relationship with A&O Shearman, including, without limitation, recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

If you are vision-impaired or have another disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law and wish to discuss accommodations related to applying for employment at A&O Shearman, please contact US HR Transactions at US-HRTransactions@aoshearman.com or call +1 212 610 6300 and ask for HR Transactions.