Legal Assistant
Job Summary
The University of Michigan's Office of the Vice President and General Counsel (OGC) provides legal counsel throughout the University of Michigan. The OGC is seeking a legal assistant to primarily support the work of two attorneys and a paralegal servicing the University's development efforts.
Responsibilities*
- Provide confidential administrative support to attorneys, paralegals, and, as needed, others throughout the entire OGC office;
- Manage receipt, review, signing, and redistribution of legal instruments, including coordinating with other University stakeholders, and sending notifications of completed instruments to appropriate people;
- Receive and process mail on a timely basis;
- Handle and process checks and payments safely and in accordance with internal processes and procedures;
- Manage multiple calendars;
- Answer telephone calls, respond to e-mails, and triage both accurately and thoroughly;
- Draft and edit confidential and sensitive correspondence;
- Maintain and update client relationship management database (called DART) and other electronic files;
- Process expense reports and other office-related expenses;
- Effectively manage deadlines; and
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications*
- Minimum of 2-5 years of professional legal secretary experience performing job-relevant legal responsibilities;
- Collegial and a team-oriented colleague;
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with internal clients, university leadership, donors and their representatives, outside counsel, OGC attorneys, and other support staff
- Highly organized, responsible, and responsive, including the ability to manage many projects with competing priorities and deadlines in a fast paced environment;
- Self-sufficient, able to work independently and take initiative, but able and willing to ask for assistance and advice when needed;
- High degree of discretion when dealing with confidential information; and
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, and the ability to learn new databases easily
Desired Qualifications*
- Knowledge of trust, estate, and charitable giving terminology;
- Familiarity with document management systems;
- Experience with client relation and/or donor database systems;
- Michigan Notary Public;
- Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with a variety of sources to assist in managing the requirements of the job;
- Ability to identify resources and develop processes to streamline the requirements of the job; and
- Flexible and willing to take on new roles and practice areas as needed
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
