Legal Assistant - Civil Litigation - Float

Join The Dynamic Team at SFE – Where Law Meets Passion and Purpose

At Smith Freed Eberhard, we do more than just practice law – we set new standards in legal excellence. Specializing in civil defense work, our Portland office is currently seeking an experienced legal assistant/project assistant-float to join the team. This position provides support to the legal assistants, project assistants, teams, and firm. If you enjoy working on a variety of tasks and can juggle multiple tasks while maintaining a professional demeanor, this is the position for you!

Primary Responsibilities – Legal Assistant

Coverage for Legal Assistant’s Desk during time-off and/or overflow:

• Manage and organize case files, including electronic documents and physical files
• Draft and proofread legal documents such as pleadings, discovery requests, and responses
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and court personnel in a professional manner
• Manage calendars and schedules for court appearances, deadlines, and meetings
• File court documents both electronically and in document form with the ability to determine and follow any local or judge specific requirements related to same
• Prepare hard copy documents for deposition or trial preparation
• Proactively review and ensure accuracy of vendor invoices; prepare accurate check requests and timely submit invoices for payment to client or internal accounting
• Knowledge of client-specific billing and general guidelines and restrictions, and consistently apply those guidelines to ensure cost-effective practices
• Time entry for Partners

Primary Responsibilities – Project Assistant

• Perform conflict checks
• Answer phones
• Greet clients and vendors
• Create case binders
• Assist HR with special projects
• Set up and clean conference rooms
• Clean and organize throughout the office
• Deliver documents to the court when necessary
• Assist with loading data and images into electronic databases
• Analyze document data and code documents in standardized method
• Process incoming and outgoing mail – scanning and uploading into electronic system, complete certified mails
• Review, analyze, and manipulate documents for PDF production
• Prepare and maintain detailed indices of documents, depositions, and exhibits
• Invoices – scan and upload into electronic database

• A minimum of three years’ experience as a legal assistant
• Working knowledge of litigation process and experience with court and agency rules including filing requirements, and experience e-filing in applicable counties in Oregon. Knowledge of Washington is a plus
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently under strict deadlines
• Discretion and professionalism when handling confidential information
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting at $27-30/hour – depending on experience
• Bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package includes Employer paid Health, Dental, Life and Vision Insurance; and voluntary FSA, STD, LTD, Additional Life Insurance, 401k (with Employer matching), and Pet Insurance.
• Mass transit and parking reimbursement assistance
• Casual office

Apply Today & Shape Tomorrow with Smith Freed Eberhard

Smith Freed Eberhard is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, military service obligations or other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.