Legal Secretary Trainee

A Legal Secretary Trainee works closely with supervisor and experienced Legal Secretaries for training and development opportunities to grow in understanding and ability to perform various clerical and administrative tasks for attorneys in a law firm environment. Position coordinates and follows effective office procedures and efficient work flows, establishes and maintains harmonious working relationships with both internal and external clients while adhering to firm policies and procedures.

• Type, format, edit and finalize documents including correspondence, charts, motions, briefs, pleadings, exhibits, contracts, memoranda, etc. using MS Office applications
• Proofread all work to ensure proper formatting, spelling and grammar
• Input, edit and finalize attorney daily time through InTapp billing system; ensure accuracy of input and required hours entered daily
• Prepare and submit expenses and invoices for payment; submit check requests as needed
• Coordinate travel arrangements including air, hotel and car service for attorneys; maintain travel expenses
• Receive, screen and transmit telephone calls, conference calls and messages to attorneys, clients and staff
• Process incoming and outgoing mail and deliveries; distribute promptly upon receipt
• Coordinate conferences, meetings, and appointments for attorneys and clients including conference room scheduling and catering
• Establishes and maintains paper and electronic files in compliance with current Firm policies
• Collaborate with departments across the Firm in order to complete required tasks within the role by using appropriate resources
• Perform a variety of clerical and administrative functions including expense reports, photocopying, printing, binder assembly, transcribing and revising digital audio, etc.
• Operates office equipment including PCs, printers, phones, copiers, scanners and facsimiles
• Cover other desk assignments when needed and offers assistance to others on the team in order to meet Firm and client needs
• Perform other duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience:

• High school graduate or equivalency; some college preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications with high aptitude for learning new software and systems
• Professional services industry experience a plus
• Ability to accurately type 50 words per minute
• Tech savvy – likes to learn and work with technology

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following is also required of the successful candidate:

• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Self-starter who takes initiative; shows ownership and commitment to the position
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Ability to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Ability to work under pressure; manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities
• Ability to develop proficiency in legal and administrative applications that support Firm operations and client work
• Eager and willing to learn new skills
• Reliable with strong work ethic
• Professional appearance and ability to speak comfortably and professionally with attorneys, staff, clients and vendors
• Excellent customer service

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer