Morrison & Foerster LLP Jobs (2)

Morrison Foerster LLP, an Am Law 50 law firm with 18 offices worldwide, has an opening for a Legal Secretary- STARS within our Legal Secretaries Department in our New York office.

The Opportunity

Guided by department objectives and priorities, performs a variety of secretarial tasks in support of assigned attorneys and other timekeepers.

Provides a high level of client service and support while producing a high volume of consistently excellent work product.

Maintains a general knowledge of the Firm’s practice areas and a specialized knowledge of the assigned attorneys’ practice area(s) and clients in order to enhance and promote communication between attorneys and their clients and to provide excellent, personalized service in support of attorney / client relationships.

Ensures client service and satisfaction are attained in all areas of position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Secretarial Support

• Provides professional client relationship management with external clients.
• Creates, edits, and proofreads complex and practice-specific legal documents, forms, and correspondence, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• In conjunction with Paralegals, may prepare or coordinate the preparation of Responses to Auditor Requests. Assists with preparation of Opinion Letters.
• Creates and maintains client / matter lists and communication lists.
• Organizes and accurately maintains physical and electronic documents and files in a timely manner. Creates and maintains working files and binders as requested.

Utilizes Firm provided software to accurately store email messages, and maintain and retrieve files.

• Utilizes Outlook to schedule appointments and calendar dates. Maintains contacts in Outlook.
• Assists with timenote entry, including inputting timenotes, editing, proofreading, and closing them on a daily basis.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of internet resources to perform basic legal research and print off cases, as requested.
• Utilizes Service Now software to open new matters, prepare engagement letters, and process conflict reports.
• Collaborates with Client Account Manager and assigned timekeepers to manage billing process, including editing prebills, generating reports, and sending out final invoices.

May assist with collection efforts. Coordinates client, matter and timekeeper inquiries.

• Initiates client file transfer requests and assists with client disengagements.
• May facilitate the secure transfer of case / client data in accordance with firm’s data security policy.
• Provides backup support to other attorneys and timekeepers as needed. Volunteers for overflow work assignments when time permits and actively seeks to maximize productivity and promote teamwork.

Participates in departmental projects designed to streamline workflow and / or resolve issues.

• Creates and labels CDs / DVDs and has a comprehensive understanding of the firm’s privacy policy and encryption tools.

Administrative Support

• Answers telephones and relays messages. Arranges conference calls, video conferences and live meetings.
• Copies, scans, faxes, and prints documents and attachments.
• Prepares materials for mailing and overnight delivery, including printing, assembling, copying, and ensuring appropriate delivery.
• Receives deliveries of items such as faxes, files, and boxes, and routes them appropriately.
• Makes conference room reservations, coordinates meals, multimedia, and other services as requested.
• Coordinates travel arrangements through the Firm’s travel department as requested.
• Prepares expense reimbursements, arranges for payment of invoices, and prepares check requests as needed.
• In conjunction with the Records Department, assists with the organization and preparations of materials for storage. Assists with maintaining high density storage area.
• May participate in the organization and planning of events.
• May assist in the preparation of marketing materials as requested.

Assisting / Finalizing Closings with the Financial Transactions Group

• Assists Boston Office with work requests for closing support.
• Works proficiently in DM to be able to locate deal-specific documents (, Document Agenda / Closing Checklist prepared by attorney).
• Preparation of draft Closing Document Checklists.
• Works proficiently in the P : Drive by locating transaction-specific folders and / or creating a deal folder as necessary.
• Has knowledge of editing pdf documents in order to extract and save individual UCC, tax and judgment lien search results.
• Prepares extraction requests for the Lead Secretaries in NY relating to a closing daily to ensure extractions are ready for checklist preparation in a timely manner.
• Identifies closing copies and profiling according to the Closing Document Checklist.
• Has knowledge of creating zip folders for closings that are e-mailed to SVB (multiple zip folders / multiple separate e-mails for deals where total size of documents in zip folder exceeds 10MB) (financial transactions team).
• Has knowledge of Kiteworks (for those closings where a large zip folder is requested) (syndications team).
• Has knowledge of uploading documents to external Sharepoint site (fund finance team (a / k / a global fund banking)).
• Takes initiative upon receipt of post-closing documentation to extract pdfs as necessary, save and profile as closing copy(ies), updating the Word version of the Closing Document Checklist to note receipt of same, preparing draft e-mail to Bank providing post-closing documents and updated checklist for attorney’s review and following-up with the attorney weekly until given directive to send.

Client Service, Confidentiality, and Safety

• Consistently promote and model the Firm's Client Service Principles in leadership, teamwork, work product, and personal interaction.
• Ensure compliance with the Firm's Information Handling Policy, including safeguarding confidential and personal information, and reporting any suspected breach appropriately and immediately.
• Adhere to the Firm's General Safety Practices and any unique safety practices for department and building.

Ideal Candidate

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma required, Associate Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years recent Legal Secretarial experience, and / or 3 years of Administrative Secretary experience.
• Experience working in a large law firm preferred.

Teamwork and Applied Skills

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to apply strong attention to detail to all levels of work.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure and complete job assignments in an accurate and timely manner.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective internal and external client relationships.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of management and staff and a variety of external entities including clients and prospective clients of the Firm.
• Highly proficient with Windows-based software used by the firm, including MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and (are we still using this?

Working knowledge of database, and time and attendance tracking applications.

• Typing speed of 70 wpm with high level of accuracy.
• Flexibility regarding work schedule and availability to work overtime as may be required.
• Excellent teamwork skills and commitment to delivering client service by assisting co-workers.

Who We Are

At Morrison Foerster, our culture is defined by our deeds. We’re passionate about what we do. We’re equally passionate about how we do it.

We resist hierarchies and operate within a model of respect for our colleagues, their ideas, and the differences that make us stronger.

We encourage you to learn more about who we are, and what we do.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Secretarial Support

• Provides professional client relationship management with external clients.
• Creates, edits, and proofreads complex and practice-specific legal documents, forms, and correspondence, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• In conjunction with Paralegals, may prepare or coordinate the preparation of Responses to Auditor Requests. Assists with preparation of Opinion Letters.
• Creates and maintains client / matter lists and communication lists.
• Organizes and accurately maintains physical and electronic documents and files in a timely manner. Creates and maintains working files and binders as requested.

Utilizes Firm provided software to accurately store email messages, and maintain and retrieve files.

• Utilizes Outlook to schedule appointments and calendar dates. Maintains contacts in Outlook.
• Assists with timenote entry, including inputting timenotes, editing, proofreading, and closing them on a daily basis.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of internet resources to perform basic legal research and print off cases, as requested.
• Utilizes Service Now software to open new matters, prepare engagement letters, and process conflict reports.
• Collaborates with Client Account Manager and assigned timekeepers to manage billing process, including editing prebills, generating reports, and sending out final invoices.

May assist with collection efforts. Coordinates client, matter and timekeeper inquiries.

• Initiates client file transfer requests and assists with client disengagements.
• May facilitate the secure transfer of case / client data in accordance with firm’s data security policy.
• Provides backup support to other attorneys and timekeepers as needed. Volunteers for overflow work assignments when time permits and actively seeks to maximize productivity and promote teamwork.

Participates in departmental projects designed to streamline workflow and / or resolve issues.

• Acts and assists as a proactive mentor for junior staff and new employees. Assists with training regarding specific Firm processes and procedures as requested.
• Creates and labels CDs / DVDs and has a comprehensive understanding of the firm’s privacy policy and encryption tools.

Administrative Support

• Answers telephones and relays messages. Arranges conference calls, video conferences and live meetings.
• Copies, scans, faxes, and prints documents and attachments.
• Prepares materials for mailing and overnight delivery, including printing, assembling, copying, and ensuring appropriate delivery.
• Receives deliveries of items such as faxes, files, and boxes, and routes them appropriately.
• Makes conference room reservations, coordinates meals, multimedia, and other services as requested.
• Coordinates travel arrangements through the Firm’s travel department as requested.
• Prepares expense reimbursements, arranges for payment of invoices, and prepares check requests as needed.
• In conjunction with the Records Department, assists with the organization and preparations of materials for storage. Assists with maintaining high density storage area.
• May participate in the organization and planning of events.
• May assist in the preparation of marketing materials as requested.

Assisting / Finalizing Closings with the Financial Transactions Group

• Assists Boston Office with work requests for closing support.
• Works proficiently in DM to be able to locate deal-specific documents (i.e., Document Agenda / Closing Checklist prepared by attorney).
• Preparation of draft Closing Document Checklists.
• Works proficiently in the P : Drive by locating transaction-specific folders and / or creating a deal folder as necessary.
• Has knowledge of editing pdf documents in order to extract and save individual UCC, tax and judgment lien search results.
• Prepares extraction requests for the Lead Secretaries in NY relating to a closing daily to ensure extractions are ready for checklist preparation in a timely manner.
• Identifies closing copies and profiling according to the Closing Document Checklist.
• Has knowledge of Kiteworks (for those closings where a large zip folder is requested) (syndications team).
• Has knowledge of uploading documents to external Sharepoint site (fund finance team (a / k / a global fund banking)).
• Takes initiative upon receipt of post-closing documentation to extract pdfs as necessary, save and profile as closing copy(ies), updating the Word version of the Closing Document Checklist to note receipt of same, preparing draft e-mail to Bank providing post-closing documents and updated checklist for attorney’s review and following-up with the attorney weekly until given directive to send.

Client Service, Confidentiality, and Safety

• Consistently promote and model the Firm's Client Service Principles in leadership, teamwork, work product, and personal interaction.
• Ensure compliance with the Firm's Information Handling Policy, including safeguarding confidential and personal information, and reporting any suspected breach appropriately and immediately.
• Adhere to the Firm's General Safety Practices and any unique safety practices for department and building.

Ideal Candidate

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma required, Associate Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years recent Legal Secretarial experience, and / or 3 years of Administrative Secretary experience.
• Experience working in a large law firm preferred.

Teamwork and Applied Skills

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to apply strong attention to detail to all levels of work.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure and complete job assignments in an accurate and timely manner.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective internal and external client relationships.
• Ability to interact effectively with all levels of management and staff and a variety of external entities including clients and prospective clients of the Firm.
• Highly proficient with Windows-based software used by the firm, including MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and (are we still using this?

Working knowledge of database, and time and attendance tracking applications.

• Typing speed of 70 wpm with high level of accuracy.
• Flexibility regarding work schedule and availability to work overtime as may be required.
• Excellent teamwork skills and commitment to delivering client service by assisting co-workers.