Practice Assistant

Position Summary:

Our Raleigh, NC office is looking for a Practice Assistant to join our growing firm. On a day-to-day basis, works under the direction of attorneys and paralegals to whom the Practice Assistant is assigned. Under general supervision, supports the delivery of quality legal services to clients by providing problem-solving, project management, organizational, and administrative assistance to attorneys, performing complex and specialized administrative and clerical tasks, and working collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment. This position supports multiple attorneys as primary assignments and also provides back-up secretarial assistance to other attorneys as assigned. May also perform other duties as assigned, including receptionist duties and other tasks as needed to ensure the smooth operation of the office and provide support for attorneys in the office to facilitate delivery of top-notch client service.

Essential Functions:

• Preparing Documents: Using word processing and document management software, the Practice Assistant prepares and processes correspondence and memoranda as well as complex legal documents according to the requirements set by each attorney. Independently composes and drafts routine cover letters and documents. Proofreads documents and checks for appropriate formatting, spelling and grammar and makes suggestions for improvement. Prepares revisions and redlines documents as directed. Prepares documents for e-filing as required.
• Processes Mail: Reviews and routes incoming mail, email, and electronic communications. Prepares and processes outgoing mail, email, and other electronic communications, arranging for specialized mail or messenger services as required. Ensures that all attachments, exhibits and enclosures are included and properly identified on documents filed with courts or submitted to governmental agencies.
• Maintains Calendar: Maintains and updates the calendars for assigned attorneys, including meetings, appointments, due dates, and client-related activities.
• Maintains Files: Maintains paper and electronic files in compliance with internal policies. Performs routine filing and retrieves files as needed. Maintains chronological files and administrative files for assigned attorneys.
• Timekeeping: Prepares time entries for assigned attorneys and submits in a timely manner. Prepares expense reimbursement and disbursement requests. Prepares billing letters and coordinates and assist in resolving issues with client billing matters with the Billing Department in Greenville.
• General Administrative Support: Prepares and processes new matter documents. Receives and screens phone calls and takes message as required. Receives and directs clients and visitors. Coordinates travel arrangements, prepares itineraries, and prepares travel expense reports. Schedules meetings and arranges for conference rooms and meals. Communicates effectively and professionally with clients and with others in the Firm. Is proactive in anticipating the business needs of the assigned attorneys; plans ahead and meets deadlines.
  • The Practice Assistant may be responsible for additional administrative assistance and may, on occasion:
    • Assist with mentoring new office staff
    • Assist with piloting new software

Requirements:

• 3+ years of experience as a practice assistant, legal secretary, administrative assistant, or other position with transferable job skills
• Familiarity with common legal terminology, legal documents, and legal processes
• Attention to detail and ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines
• Accurate typing of at least 70 words per minute
• Strong computer proficiency in the use of MS Office, document management, time entry, e-filing and database software
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Strong proofreading skills
• Superior organizational skills including filing, calendaring, and proofreading
• Time management skills and ability to work independently as well as with a team
• Regular predictable attendance

Please note, we are not working with outside recruiters for this position.

Benefits:

Ogletree Deakins offers a robust suite of benefits for our Staff including: Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, a 401(k) matching program, Profit Sharing, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, affordable Health and Life Insurance including Dental & Vision coverage, Health Savings Account /Flexible Spending Accounts to help offset the cost of dependent care and/or health care expenses, Tuition Reimbursement and an Employee Assistance Program. This position offers regular working hours (generally 8:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday) with available flexibility for appointments and other personal needs consistent with the needs of the office and supervising attorneys.

Firm Overview:

Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Best Law Firms® has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 14 consecutive years. In the 2025 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Litigation – Labor and Employment category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 1,100 attorneys located in 60 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S.

We are fully committed to the importance of diversity within the legal profession, as well as all workplace environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer.