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Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is looking for a proactive and highly organized Legal Assistant to join our Chicago, IL office! The Legal Assistant will provide legal and administrative support to timekeepers in the Intellectual Property (IP) practice group. Prior experience as an IP legal assistant with an emphasis in the Trademark practice and experience supporting IP attorneys is required.

What You'll Be Doing

• Manage an active calendar of appointments, meetings, video calls and travel on behalf of attorneys
• Process new client/matter documentation including initiation of conflict checks, input information into Firm's new business intake system and prepare engagement letters to clients
• Prepare and format confidential correspondence
• Transcribe, type, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, memos, charts, TTAB filings, and reports
• Organize and maintain electronic files
• Respond to and resolve questions or concerns from clients and other attorneys in a timely and professional manner
• Prepare and submit personal and client-related attorney expense reports and reimbursements into Firm’s expense management software, Emburse
• Enter time into time management software on behalf of timekeepers
• Communicate with clients as to billing issues and status of matters
• Assist in tracking continuing legal education credit for assigned legal staff
• Assist with civic, charitable, community, and professional activities, as workload permits
• Docket maintenance and tracking of reports with IP software.

Job Requirements: Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Certificate or Undergraduate Degree strongly preferred
• IP: 5+ years’ experience in a legal environment, preferably in the Intellectual Property practice areas
• Ability and willingness to work in the office four to five days per week
• Professional demeanor and willingness to work proactively as part of a team across various practice groups
• Exceptional communication skills via phone, email, and in-person
• Strong organizational and process skills, focused attention to detail, and ability to spot inaccuracies and inconsistencies in documents
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Technology Requirements :

• Technology literacy and willingness to learn innovative technologies and software
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience in the following software a plus:
• Anaqua or similar electronic IP docketing/reporting software
• iManage or similar electronic document management system
• DocuSign or similar e-signature program
• iTimekeep or similar electronic time management system
• Chrome River or similar expense report and reimbursement software
• CourtAlert for TTAB tracking
• NAD filings

Adaptability:

• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position and Firm evolve
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure with varying deadlines
• Ability to work independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to multi-task, set priorities, manage time effectively and exhibit excellent follow-up

Collaboration:

• Team player mentality, with a desire to be a part of a collaborative, high-performing group
• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm
• Willingness and ability to work proactively in our team environment, across various groups and/or locations

Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Problem Solving Skills

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems

Professionalism:

• Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

The Company This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we have continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location We have offices in Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); Nebraska (Lincoln); North Carolina (Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles) and Washington DC. Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration, supporting our culture of working together to make important things happen for our clients. This position will be based in our Chicago office.

Why You Should Apply At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, all programs designed to help you plan for the future, and benefits that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package. Learning and Growth

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Career Development Planning
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs

Health & Wellness

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision Care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

Total Compensation

• Competitive Base Pay
• Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay
• Outstanding Benefits
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) Plus 10 Paid Holidays

Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

• Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Healthy Work-Life Balance
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate
• Performance Recognition

The annual compensation range for this position in our Chicago office is between $70,000 and $85,000.

To be considered for this position, please apply via our online portal.

We are not accepting search firm submissions at this time.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Michael Best Strategies LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.