Charlotte - Practice Coordinator (Legal Administrative Assistant)

Winston & Strawn Llp - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Practice Coordinator role at Winston & Strawn is a pivotal position that supports partners in managing their client relationships, practice responsibilities, and leadership roles within the firm. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of the operational and logistical needs of the partners, their clients, and the legal teams that support client work. The Practice Coordinator is expected to demonstrate a high level of professionalism, sound judgment, and acute attention to detail while managing fluctuating demands under tight deadlines. Effective communication and the ability to maintain composure under pressure are essential traits for success in this role. In this position, the Practice Coordinator will collaborate with various departments across the firm and will be responsible for a range of administrative tasks, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and document organization. The role also involves liaising with the billing department to ensure compliance with client billing requirements and assisting attorneys in preparing for client meetings and other legal proceedings. The Practice Coordinator will play a crucial role in supporting client relationships and practice management, ensuring that all operational aspects run smoothly and efficiently. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in a legal or professional services environment, demonstrating the ability to adapt to changing needs and produce high-quality work in a fast-paced setting. This position is in-office, requiring the individual to be present at least four days a week, and may involve extended hours with minimal notice.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage calendars, matter related deadlines, and travel schedules; provide summaries and reports as needed as well as clear and timely communication to all those impacted by changing schedules.
• Coordinate and plan meetings and events, working closely with Firm concierge resources on logistics and execution.
• Collect and submit information needed to open new matters and run conflicts; draft engagement letters; communicate client specific requirements regarding billing and matter management.
• Liaison between partner and billing department to ensure invoices are accurate and compliant with client billing requirements and deadlines; assist partners as needed with billing process, reporting, and follow up.
• Coordinate with Firm resources including the WRC to ensure client and matter documents are accessible and organized.
• Assist attorneys in preparing for client meetings, deal closings, hearings, trials, depositions, and other client related project support.
• Track and organize material and information related to attorney leadership roles in bar and other professional organizations.
• Assist attorneys with Firm related responsibilities and leadership roles.
• Provide other assistance as needed to support client relationships, practice management, and the Firm.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent required.
• Two plus years of experience in a legal or professional services environment required.

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change.
• Ability to produce quality work product in a fast-paced, dynamic environment including prioritizing numerous tasks and completing them under time constraints; strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to act and communicate in a solution-oriented manner; excellent problem solving and collaboration skills.
• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm.
• Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment.
• Ability to develop proficiency in legal and administrative applications that support Firm operations and client work; ability to work in an electronic environment including aptitude to set up and host virtual meetings.
• Reliability, flexibility, and adaptability in a team and service oriented environment with ability to consistently provide a high level of service to internal and external clients.
• Professional appearance and ability to speak comfortably and professionally with attorneys, staff, clients, court personnel, and vendors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans - coverage begins on the first day of employment
• Life & disability insurance
• Pre-tax commuter benefit
• Employee assistance program
• Free premium access to the Calm app
• Mental health first aid responders
• 24/7 concierge service
• Back-up child and elder care through Bright Horizons
• Free overnight shipment of breast milk for nursing moms when they travel for work
• On-site nursing rooms
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Firm-funded retirement plan
• 10 paid holidays per year
• 10 sick/personal days per year
• Paid vacation time
• Up to 2 days of paid time off to participate in Winston for Good activities