Legal Assistant - Commercial Litigation

Firm Summary

White & Case is an elite global law firm serving leading companies, financial institutions and governments worldwide. Our long history as an international firm means we are perfectly placed to help our clients resolve their most complex legal challenges wherever they may be.

With lawyers operating from more than 47 locations, working in virtually every country of the world, we have invested heavily in building a high-quality full-service practice competing at the top of the market. We are distinguished by our on-the-ground presence in the world’s key financial markets and our strengths in handling complex cross-border work.

It’s not just about our global network of offices; it’s the global interconnectedness of the Firm that our people, and our clients, value most. We work well together across geographic and practice boundaries. It’s one of the reasons we attract and retain cross-border work. And why we attract a diverse group of people.

Our lawyers are globally minded, enterprising, collaborative and committed to excellence. Diversity is a core value of our Firm and it has been recognized with numerous awards and top rankings around the world. Our people represent 90 nationalities and speak 80 languages.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the D.C. Manager of Legal Assistants and attorneys, the Commercial Litigation Legal Assistant will assist and provide support to the Firm’s clients and case teams. The legal assistant will work in a fast-paced environment under the supervision of attorneys in providing legal services to clients. Their responsibilities vary depending upon the section and practice group to which they are assigned. They may also work with other personnel at the Firm in delivering legal services to clients. Legal assistants will be requested to perform other duties as required. Necessary are strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work independently and on a team in a fast-paced environment under strict deadlines, effectively manage multiple responsibilities, keep accurate and timely time records, and meet budget and deadline demands.

Duties And Accountabilities1

In addition to the duties described in the Position Summary, legal assistants are required to assist other legal teams on an as-needed basis. Legal assistants will acquire an understanding of the mechanics of civil litigation, including pleadings and discovery tools. This will be achieved by attending virtual and in-person training sessions and workshops, and through general on-the-job experience. Such work may include:

Legal and factual research using library, online, and outside resources

Participation and preparation of documents for production

Maintenance and indexing of case files

Preparation of material for depositions, witness interviews, etc.

Summarizing and digesting transcripts

Exhibit preparation for pleadings, trials, hearings, etc.

Cite checking and shepardizing legal memoranda, briefs, articles, opinions, etc. and creation of Tables of Authorities and Contents

Preparing pleadings and supporting materials for filing or service

Creating electronic and hard copies of trial books, case binders, etc.

Preparing for and attending depositions, hearings, trials

Arranging for court reporters, interpreters, conference rooms, etc.

Creating charts, graphs, tables, etc. for data analysis and synthesis

Utilizing firm resources to accomplish above tasks

Preparing accurate and timely daily time entries and records for services performed

Utilizing e-discovery software programs and other spreadsheet and database programs as needed to perform client projects

Qualifications

Four year college degree with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.5

• Strong academic background
• Clear and concise writing skills
• Good verbal communication skills
• Related work and/or internship experience
• Excellent organizational skills
• Willingness and ability to work overtime and long hours
• Basic knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat
• Familiarity and competency with technology
• Ability to follow through on projects
• Ability to work under pressure and with a variety of personalities
• Ability to work with and liaise with colleagues in other internal departments (e.g., Office Services, Practice Technology, Global Technology Services, Research & Information Services, Operations, Practice Assistants, Document Services, etc.)
• Excellent professional and personal references
• Excellent judgment
• High ethical standards
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to travel as needed
• Foreign language skills a plus (especially Spanish)
  
  

Location and Reporting

• This role is based in the Washington D.C. office.
• This role reports to the Manager of Legal Assistants in Washington D.C.
  
  

Equal Opportunities

White & Case is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is our Firm’s policy to recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require an accommodation during the process should contact [email protected].

Benefits At White & Case

White & Case LLP offers a comprehensive suite of benefit programs to all eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, 401(k) retirement savings, vacation time, and leave programs (including parental leave). Exempt roles are also performance bonus eligible.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

1The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.