Perkins Thompson is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to support attorneys in our Government Services practice group, contributing to matters involving municipal, land use, environmental, and corporate law. This role is well-suited for a detail-oriented professional who excels at managing complex information, managing high-volume communications, and coordinating numerous deadlines in a fast-paced environment. The Legal Assistant plays a vital part in maintaining organized client files, preparing legal documents and correspondence, conducting municipal and GIS-based research, and ensuring that filings, mailings, and communications are handled with precision. This position offers meaningful, varied work, close collaboration with attorneys, and the opportunity to develop expertise in supporting government-related legal processes.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide administrative and legal support to attorneys in the Government Services practice group and assist other practice groups as needed.
- Open, organize, and maintain client files in accordance with firm procedures.
- Gather, organize, and maintain facts, documents, parties, and related information for attorney review.
- Prepare correspondence, notices, reports, and other legal documents for attorney review.
- Assemble, file, and record documents electronically and in hard copy.
- Conduct research and data collection using municipal databases, GIS-mapping tools, and other resources.
- Coordinate publication and large-scale mailing of legal notices.
- Coordinate general mailings, overnight shipments, and courier deliveries.
- Track deadlines, manage priorities, and maintain accurate calendars.
- Proofread, edit, and format documents for contextual accuracy, grammar, spelling, and typographical consistency.
- Schedule and coordinate meetings, calls, and conferences, including arranging meals and preparing conference rooms.
- Enter time on behalf of assigned timekeepers and process reimbursement requests, membership renewals, and other invoices.
- Open, review, and route incoming mail.
- Perform additional administrative tasks as assigned, including general office support, reception desk coverage, and occasional local deliveries.
Requirements
- At least 3 years of experience—or a combination of applicable education and experience—providing administrative or legal support in a municipality, law firm, corporate legal department, or similar professional setting. Experience with municipal processes or municipal law is preferred.
- Advanced proficiency with office technology, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), document management systems, electronic databases, file-sharing platforms, and digital signature tools, with the ability to learn firm-specific systems quickly.
- Strong organizational and task-management skills, with the ability to prioritize, track, and complete multiple tasks under time constraints.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, demonstrating clarity, professionalism, and careful attention to detail in all correspondence, notices, and legal documents.
- Professional and courteous interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients, attorneys, municipal officials, staff, vendors, and other external parties.
- High level of reliability, discretion, and follow-through, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
- Ability to maintain composure and professionalism in a fast-paced environment, manage frequent interruptions, and adapt to shifting priorities.
- Meticulous attention to detail, especially when preparing legal notices, completing forms, logging information, scheduling, and formatting documents.
- Strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to identifying issues, resolving administrative challenges, and supporting attorneys’ needs.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, supporting attorneys, staff, and office operations as needed.
- Ability to lift and carry office supplies or packages as needed (typically 20–25 lbs).
The expected pay range offered for this position is $24.00 to $30.00 per hour and depends on the successful applicant’s relevant skills, experience, and qualifications and other factors to be considered in the discretion of the employer.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Amanda L. Robertshaw, Firm Administrator, at arobertshaw@perkinsthompson.com or by mail to Perkins Thompson, P.A., 200 Middle Street, P.O. Box 426, Portland, ME 04112-0426.
