Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
Legal Assistant (Legal)
Katten is a firm of first choice for clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services in the United States and abroad. Our nationally recognized practices include corporate, financial services, litigation, real estate, environmental, commercial finance, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, and trusts and estates. Our more than 650 attorneys serve public and private companies, including a third of the Fortune 100, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. We provide full-service legal advice from locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai.
LEGAL ASSISTANT I
SUMMARY
Under the general direction of supervising attorney(s) and/or senior paralegal(s) and according to established Firm policies and procedures, is responsible for supporting the delivery of quality legal services to clients by performing specialized legal assistant, administrative, and secretarial duties pertaining to all aspects of real estate transactions. Assignment typically involves multi-tasking complex document production with heavy administrative functions and client contact, requiring a high degree of executive secretarial and technical skills. This position typically supports three or more attorney(s) or other legal personnel as a primary assignment and also provides back-up secretarial assistance to other attorneys/legal personnel as requested. Maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but may not be limited to, the following. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Draft initial versions of loan documents and loan commitments.
Prepare financing statements and amendments/terminations of financing statements.
Prepare minutes in connection with group conference calls.
Perform file organization and maintenance.
Maintain up-to-date time reports to ensure accurate client billing and order WIPS/invoices, as needed.
Revise loan documents following receipt of comments from working group.
Organize closing logistics and post-closing deliveries.
Assemble and circulate executed documents in preparation for deal closings.
Assists attorneys with obtaining pricing supplements, docket entries, and other filings.
Coordinate conference calls and travel arrangements, as needed, and prepare any related expense reimbursements/client disbursements.
Create closing binders when necessary.
Communicate with bankers and underwriting staff to obtain missing information pertaining to loan documents.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Bachelor's degree and one or more years related experience preferably in a law firm environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Computer proficient with experience and working knowledge of real estate-related databases, Internet research, due diligence, Excel, Outlook, and MS Word preferred.
Excellent organizational skills including record keeping, data collection, and system information. Ability to compile and analyze data and furnish information in report format, written correspondence, e‑mail, or verbally.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information, and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, clients, staff, and outside contacts.
Analytical skills requiring an aptitude for detail and accuracy in order to analyze and research corporate transactional data, process information, and perform essential duties.
Exhibit high degree of initiative in managing multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detailed-oriented work environment utilizing excellent administrative, judgmental, and decision-making skills. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workflow.
Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment. Ability to act independently and make routine decisions within scope of the position's responsibilities.
Proactive with excellent troubleshooting, problem resolution, and follow-through skills.
Possess excellent knowledge of reading, writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, proofreading, and formatting in order to interpret source data, prepare corporate transactional documents and forms, proofread material for grammatical, typographical, and spelling errors, and perform file maintenance.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations and apply mathematical concepts when computing, reconciling balances, and verifying numerical data on forms and documents.
Ability to operate standard office equipment including computer, laser printer, telephone, photocopier, calculator, scanner, facsimile, etc.
Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation and copies, or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Work occasionally requires more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment is characteristic of a normal office environment with moderate exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, etc.
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA-M/F/SO/Disability/Veteran.
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