Legal Secretary

The work of the legal secretaries at Sidley Austin LLP (the 'Firm') is critical to the overall operation of the Firm and the ability of each and every lawyer to serve the Firm's clients effectively. At the Firm, legal secretaries are considered professionals and important members of the team. An effective team is based on mutual respect, cooperation and commitment to a common goal.When a secretary is hired by the Firm, she or he is hired by the Firm and not by a particular lawyer. Thus, secretaries are expected to play an active role in assisting their assigned lawyers - and, when necessary, assisting other lawyers and other secretaries - toward the common goal of providing the Firm's clients with the best service possible.To be an effective member of the team, secretaries should familiarize themselves with Firm procedures, from the way files are organized in the Records Department to the billing procedures of the Accounting Department. To be an integral part of a practice group, secretaries should also work with their assigned lawyers in establishing and maintaining the particular procedures of the practice group and the lawyer's individual requirements and procedures.Advanced skills in MicroSoft Office Suite (particularly, Outlook, Word, Excel)Knowledge of Document Management Systems (i.e., DeskSite)Strong organizational skills and attention to detailGood judgment and strong interpersonal communication skillsStrong analytical and problem solving skillsStrong time management skillsRequires strong computer and Internet research skillsAbility to multi-task and prioritize work proficiently and effectively completes same in a timely mannerAbility to work independently and anticipate needs of assignmentsMaintains composure while meeting multiple deadlines (even with frequent interruptions)Assist and support lawyers in dedicated assignments as well as associates assigned to Practice Support Team(s)Conserves assignments’ time by reading, researching & routing email correspondenceOn behalf of assignments, liaise with various support departments of the FirmMaintains assignments’ calendars, plans and schedules meetings, conferences, teleconferences, video conferences and travel; apprises assignment of schedule in advance of commitmentsAnalyzes, allocates, processes and monitors complex expense reportsMaintains and updates assignments’ client/matter lists, Outlook contacts and Marketing mailing listsResponsible for assignments’ annual mailingsResearches and routes correspondenceProduces information by formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying and transmitting documentsProofreads and reviews all work producedReceives, screens and transfers telephone calls; relays telephone messages according to method preferred by assignments (e.g., written messages, email, or voicemail)Responsible for submitting requests for conflicts reports; prepares and monitors creation of new business formsCoordinates client billing with billing specialistEnters, proofreads and finalizes assignments’ time entries on a daily basis;Maintains assigned lawyers’ files pursuant to the Firm’s Policy on Records ManagementSupport visiting lawyers/clients when requiredAbility to work well with all levels of internal management and staff as well as outside clients and vendorsWorks harmoniously and effectively with others as part of a teamA self-starter who desires to show ownership and commitment to the job; accepts responsibility for actionsExercises confidentiality and discretionVolunteers to assist others and seeks out work during slow periods in workloadContinues to develop skills and abilitiesMaintains a safe and unobstructed work area, including a neat and well-organized desk; demonstrates safe work practicesOther duties, as assignedSalaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.$61,000 - $92,000 if located in New York or reporting to a supervisor in New YorkTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email employees should contact Human Resources).Education and/or Experience:Required:High school diploma or general education degree (GED)Demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)Demonstrated proficiency in basic knowledge of legal terminology, formatting of legal documents and practice group's systems and procedures (e.g., court procedures, closings)Preferred:B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college or universityPrevious experience in a professional services firm (not necessarily all in a law firm)Advanced proficiency in Spanish languageTypes accurately at 60-70 wpmProficiency in advanced functions of Microsoft suite (e.g., Adobe)Excellent command of Blackline packages such as DeltaViewSidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Created: 2026-03-07