Legal Practice Specialist - Litigation

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. 

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office. 

With us, you’ll find: 

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!  

• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.  

• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.  

• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.   

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Legal Practice Specialist performs a variety of administrative support tasks for multiple assigned attorneys within the Litigation Practice Group. The candidate should be solutions oriented and have excellent analytical, organizational and communications skills. The Legal Practice Specialist works under general supervision and relies on instruction and guidelines to perform the essential functions of the job.

The qualified candidate must have substantive knowledge, understanding and experience in litigation including: trial experience and experience working with a trial team; managing databases; filing in various jurisdictions, etc. The candidate should be solutions oriented and have excellent analytical, organizational and communication skills.

 Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Knowledge of court rules and civil procedures in State and Federal jurisdictions, including experience with electronic filing in File &ServeXpress and PACER/CM/ECF
• Support all aspects of trial preparation, including handling logistics and supporting at trial as necessary
• Internet research using Lexis and Westlaw, including obtaining court dockets from PACER, Court/ Agency websites or other research tools
• Assemble binders for court/agency filings, services and MWS client files (including all attachments)
• Handle and manage intake process beginning with conflicts check through to the creation of the client/matter number
• Prepare subpoenas, court scheduling stipulations, motions, and brief templates
• Edit, proofread, and redline documents (agreements, pleadings, spreadsheets, and presentations) and correspondence for accuracy, grammar and formatting
• Review and edit prebills; work with billing practice group to ensure client bills are sent out timely
• Oversee attorney expense reports and vendor invoices through to completion including, ensuring complete documentation is provided, prompt submission, and necessary follow-up
• Manage attorney Outlook email and calendar when requested to include providing reminders of responses needed and impending deadlines and obligations
• Organize attorney travel logistics, including scheduling flights, hotel, meals, transportation, etc.
• Input, review, edit, and update attorney time entries
• Coordinate meeting logistics, including scheduling, arranging videoconferences, conferences calls, and conference rooms; requesting equipment and food and beverage orders; preparing presentation materials; and welcoming visitors
• Assist in coordinating closing dinners for attorneys; handling logistics for small attorney events in partnership with the Firm Events team
• Answer incoming telephone calls and document and relay messages
• Organize and maintain paper and electronic files in accordance with Firm records retention policies
• Proactively remind attorneys of impending deadlines and obligations

Job Specifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or related legal work experience
• At least five (5) years of litigation experience
• Knowledge of court rules and civil procedures in State and Federal jurisdictions
• Working knowledge of Relativity, PACER, CM/ECF, Westlaw, Lexis, as well as other relevant litigation applications is preferred (File & ServeXpress)
• Knowledge of trial procedures including managing databases, filing in various jurisdictions, and other aspects of trial preparation
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; professional demeanor and presentation
• Strong client service skills with high-level standards of excellence in work product to meet or exceed client and Firm expectations
• Strong organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to take initiative and use good judgment and excellent follow-up skills
• Ability to maintain and handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and diplomacy
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Travel may be required to attend trials

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

     Target Hiring Range $80,000 - $112,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWS provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. 

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Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear

• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.