Legal Secretary (Corporate)

Overview

The legal secretary position at Withers is responsible for providing a broad range of secretarial and administrative support to attorneys, fee-earners, administrative personnel and clients.  This role will be based in the firm's New York office and will be assigned to the Business Division and will also provide support to the Private Client & Tax Division. The secretarial role is relied upon to provide a high level of service to both internal and external clients. Annual compensation commensurate with experience and ranging from $85,000 - $105,000 per year.

Essential duties and responsibilities 

• Drafts letters and documents for a variety of practice areas including trust and estate related documents, corporate transaction documents, immigration forms, etc.; collects and analyzes information; prepares charts, graphs, and other visuals using PowerPoint, Excel and other software.
• Edits and proofreads all documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Transmit closing documents for signature; prepare closing files and binders.
• Maintains attorneys' calendars by scheduling conferences, teleconferences, and travel.
• Communicates and obtains information from/for internal and external clients.
• Maintains and updates attorney mailing lists for clients.
• Maintains confidentiality of client and firm matters.
• Coordinates monthly billing process between accounting and assigned partner(s).  This includes preparation and editing of draft and final client invoices and transmittal of same.
• Supports the New Client Intake process which includes the conflicts check, matter details and Engagement Letter preparation.
• Supports attorneys, fee-earners and clients by reading, researching, reviewing, verifying, and routing correspondence, reports and legal documents.
• Schedules meetings with internal and external participants via Zoom/Microsoft Teams.  Arranges conference rooms as needed.
• Prepares ChromeRiver reimbursement reports for assigned fee-earners.
• Maintains files on the Firms electronic filing system (FileSite/iManage).
• Assists with providing notarizations and witnessing at client meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality of client and firm matters.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Key Skills and Experience

• Extremely detail oriented.
• Strong communication skills: the ability to express self effectively, both orally and in writing including excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, form and style.  Ability to compose correspondence as needed.
• Experience with transcribing dictation.
• Must possess strong technical skills, with solid knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, as well as programs such as FileSite/iManage, and 3E or other billing software.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask effectively.
• Interpersonal skills: the ability to establish effective working relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Must be willing to support different practice areas
• Ability to work both as a team as well as independently.
• Knowledge of library operations and records storage procedures for retrieving materials and files.

Experience and Education Required

• 3+ years as a secretary or administrative assistant in a law firm, with experience in supporting partners in various practice areas.
• This role is hybrid and must be in the office 3 days week.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• New York Notary strongly preferred. 

About Withers

Where global collaboration achieves exceptional results. 

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A law firm focused on people and collaboration. 

For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world’s most remarkable people and organizations at defining moments in their lives. 

We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. 

Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world’s problems. It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. 

Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, buying a home or protecting and defending their interests. 

To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. And we are agile – focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy.  

Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself. 

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded Mansfield Certification Plus in relation to our recruitment and leadership progression efforts in the US and UK. This certification is an encouraging milestone as we continue to champion diversity within our organization and in the wider legal sector. 

For more information on Withers, please visit the following links: General Career Site, LinkedIn, About Us 

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

The firm is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  Equal employment opportunity has been and will continue to be a fundamental principle at the firm. Employment at the firm is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  The firm prohibits and will not tolerate any discrimination or harassment on the basis of any of these classifications or characteristics.

If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website to apply for a position, please contact the firm at (203) 789-1320 or email us.recruiting@withersworldwide.com with your request.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis.