Legal Practice Assistant Trainee

Vedder's Chicago Office is seeking five (5) Legal Practice Assistant Trainees. This entry-level position is ideal for individuals with minimal to no office experience who are interested in building a career in the legal field. The role includes structured training, mentoring, and opportunities for professional growth within the Firm. As a member of a legal support team, you will learn how to provide high-level support to attorneys and paralegals by processing and editing documents; preparing litigation and corporate documents; managing travel arrangements; processing new business intake; preparing and submitting attorney expenses; inputting attorney time entries; handling client billing; responding to client inquiries via phone and email; arranging meetings and conferences; coordinating calendars; monitoring incoming mail, and e-mails; maintaining and updating client files and other duties as assigned.

As a Legal Practice Assistant Trainee, your job duties will include but not be limited to:

• Prepare briefs, pleadings and other litigation documents
• Prepare corporate documents related to financial transactions
• Assist attorneys with new client applications, conflict checks and audit letters
• Accurately enter attorney time into timekeeping system to meet weekly deadlines
• Work closely with Accounting Department staff to prepare client billings and receivables
• Establish and maintain paper and electronic client and administrative files in compliance with current Firm policies
• Interact on a daily basis with departments within the Firm to facilitate highest possible legal support
• Prepare and submit expense reports and invoice payments
• Make and manage travel arrangements with assistance of travel agency to ensure all aspects of travel are made accurately and communicated effectively (i.e., air, hotel, car, train, meeting rooms, travel memberships accounts and the like)
• Provide assistance to attorneys to prepare for all internal/external meetings
• Manage attorney calendars and schedule client meetings
• Answer, screen and place phone calls to clients and other business associates and respond to client inquiries
• Open, review and route mail as directed
• Provide assistance to other Legal Practice Assistants within the Firm whenever necessary to meet Firm and client needs

Skills & Competencies:

• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational skills and time management skills
• Professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with others in a team environment
• Ability to read, interpret and follow instructions
• Ability to learn quickly and apply training to practical issues
• Ability to work core business hours with flexibility for overtime, as required

Qualifications & Required Experience:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent work experience
• Some administrative or hospitality work experience preferred. Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in the following software:

• Microsoft Word
• Adobe
• Excel

Compensation: $50,000/yr.

At Vedder Price, we believe in recognizing and rewarding our employees' contributions. Our comprehensive Total Rewards Package includes:

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive base salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• Bonus Program: Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Retirement Planning: Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching to help you plan for your future.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm-paid Life and Disability benefits, and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs.
• Employee Recognition: Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work model and family-friendly policies.
• Additional Perks: Employee discount program, pre-tax commuter benefits, back up child & elder care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts and more.

Join Vedder Price and be part of a team that values hard work and dedication!

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Vedder Price P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We participate in E-verify.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Vedder Price Recruiting Team at vprecruiting@vedder.com.