Practice Assistant

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.

As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With over 6,500 employees (including approximately 4,000 lawyers) operating from 21 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

The Houston office is seeking a service-oriented practice assistant to provide support to groups of attorneys and/or paralegals. This includes managing busy calendars, coordinating meetings and travel arrangements, interfacing with clients, Firm committees and departments, both on the telephone and in person; new business intake; and providing administrative support, including personal business. Additional responsibilities include creating, revising and formatting legal documents, spreadsheets and presentations using the Firm’s software (Office 2016, Adobe and DMS); document comparison, transcription and proofreading. Answering phones, entering attorney time, and managing expense reimbursements along with other general secretarial duties and projects as assigned. This position requires a professional, organized self-starter with the ability to interact with staff and clients at all levels in a fast-paced, challenging legal environment. A proactive work ethic, the ability to anticipate needs, strong decision making skills, attention to detail, and a flexible schedule are a must.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

Document Preparation
•Uses word processing and document management software (Microsoft Office 2010, includingPowerPoint & Excel, Workshare Compare, Adobe, DMS, etc.) to prepare and revise, format andfinalize a wide variety of documents, including correspondence, memoranda, and legal materials. Inconjunction with the preparation of such documents, the Practice Assistant is responsible forproofreading, correctly formatting and questioning any inconsistencies in all materials. Transcribesdictation, minutes of meetings or taped records of conferences and meetings.

Administrative Support
•Processes conflict checks and New Client/New Matter forms (KENI); enters time (Carpe Diem);processes expense reports (Chrome River); receives, places, and screens telephone calls; schedulesconference calls (Inter-Call); coordinates and schedules travel arrangements through web-basedapplication; maintains attorney/legal assistant calendars (Outlook Calendars). Conducts internetresearch as directed by attorneys. Interacts on a daily basis with Departments within the Firm tofacilitate highest possible legal support to assignments and clients, including Accounting (checkrequests); General Services (mail, FedEx, UPS, messengers); Conference Center/Catering(scheduling/arranging meetings and requested accommodations); Reprographics Department; DigitalServices, etc.

File Maintenance
•Establishes and maintains paper and electronic files in compliance with current firm policies utilizingthe Firm’s LegalKEY system and Document Management System.

Customer/Client Service and Teamwork
•Provides assistance to other Practice Assistants within assigned teams whenever necessary to meetFirm and client needs; organizes and prioritizes workload so as to most efficiently enable andfacilitate team effort to accomplish Firm and client goals. Fosters professional, cooperative andsupportive relationships with peers, superiors and clients. Anticipates and identifiesclients’/colleagues’ current and future needs. Shares information and offers ideas and solutions in ateam environment.

Professional Demeanor
•Exhibits professionalism by recognizing and adhering to all Firm policies, including attendanceguidelines, dress code, security measures, and confidentiality requirements. Maintains positive,professional, courteous and flexible demeanor when dealing with clients and colleagues. Performscomplex practice assistant’s activities which may be highly confidential and sensitive, and requirediscretion and diplomacy.

OTHER FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)
•Any other functions/duties as assigned by management

 

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

•The ability to work the core business hours with flexibility for overtime, as required.•Must have 3+ years of litigation practice assistant or administrative experience in the legalindustry.•Advanced proficiency in MS Word and formatting documents required. Adobe, PowerPoint andExcel experience are also strongly preferred.•Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals and objectives•Effectively communicates with others by obtaining and sharing information in a clear, concise andtimely manner.

Technologies/Software
•Maintains and applies the appropriate level of technical job knowledge, skills and capabilitiesnecessary to fulfill job requirements and support the Firm.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm.