Legal Administrative Assistant

Summary The Legal Administrative Assistant (LAA) working in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives provides a wide range of administrative and clerical support to attorneys and legal teams. This role is essential in ensuring the smooth operation of the firm’s administrative functions and requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. The LAA collaborates regularly with Legal Support Assistants (LSAs), Legal Executive Assistants (LEAs), and attorneys on various tasks and assignments, ensuring work is properly allocated and completed on time. The role requires flexibility and willingness to work in a fast‑paced environment where multiple projects may need to be prioritized. Projects often require high‑level technical skills with Microsoft Office programs or various types of legal software commonly used in law firms. Location This position is located in our Reston office and offers a hybrid work schedule. Responsibilities Provides practice‑specific support to multiple associates, partners, and other attorneys, leveraging knowledge about unique practice tasks, requirements, and functions and can prioritize work accordingly. Drafts, edits, and proofreads legal documents, communications, files, or presentations to ensure accuracy. Oversees the maintenance and organization of electronic and paper filing systems within the firm’s DMS/repositories. Ensures all work products are easily accessible and up to date. Collaborates with other LAAs or LEAs to complete more complex projects or provide administrative support for any assigned attorneys; provides mentorship, guidance, and delegation to LSAs as appropriate; provides key status updates on projects to any assigned attorneys, offering or delegating direct‑action support in the event of escalation. Organizes and monitors assignments within the firm’s workflow tool, ensuring that administrative tasks are properly allocated and completed on time. Projects can include but are not limited to time entry and expense reimbursements. Oversees billing matters including approval forms and collaboration correspondence; ensures prebills are processed accurately and timely; acts as a proxy attorney to address questions or issues related to the billing process; ensures final bills are delivered in a timely manner and initiates follow‑up at the attorney’s request. Serves as a trusted advisor for associates, partners, or other attorneys. Handles confidential or sensitive matters with discretion and promotes professionalism and exceptional service in all interactions with attorneys, clients, and other DLA Piper business professionals. Desired Skills The required competencies and skills for the Legal Administrative Assistant position include: Effective communication in the native language of the region via e‑mail or voice. Initiative to enhance existing and learn additional skills. Prior experience with Microsoft Office products or legal software such as iManage, Aderant, DocXTools, Innova, etc. Ability to adapt to application upgrades and the use of AI‑Powered Tools for document production, review, and case research. Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills and adapt to evolving needs of the attorney’s practice. Ability to work under pressure and stay positive and productive. General familiarity with legal terminology, documentation, and best practices for law firms or similar settings. Strong attention to detail and excellent problem‑solving skills for quick decision‑making. Prior experience in workflow‑management related roles. Proficiency in virtual firm collaboration tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Minimum Education High School or GED Preferred Education Bachelor's Degree in legal studies, business administration, or a related field Minimum Years of Experience 2 years’ experience working in a legal setting under the supervision of a licensed attorney or office administrator, or within a similar role. Essential Job Expectations Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties. Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence efficiently. Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product. Meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required. Foster positive work relationships. Comply with all firm policies and practices. Engage in both physical and sedentary activity as required. Work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment. Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned. Physical Demands Sedentary work involving sitting most of the time, with occasional lifting up to 10 pounds of force. Walking and standing are required only occasionally. Work Environment Opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprising remote and in‑office work, to be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future. Disclaimer The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at‑will nature of employment. Equal Opportunity Statement DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. #J-18808-Ljbffr