Job Title:  Confidential Legal Assistant

Grade: MGT B1

Salary: $82,027.50

Location: Washington, D.C.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: We are the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a union of about 2 million diverse members in healthcare, the public sector, and property services. We believe in and fight for our Vision for a Just Society: where all workers are valued and all people respected—no matter where we come from or what color we are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come. We are an anti-racist union determined to check corporate power and uproot structural racism through unions—worker power and collective action—and government—legislative and political action. We fight for Unions for All and a Government that Works for All so that all of us, across race and place, can have power together in unions and participate fully in our democracy.

Purpose:  

This position is responsible for providing confidential administrative support with considerable exercise of independent judgment in support of the legal department.  They are responsible for assisting the Legal Department Senior Program Manager and attorneys with the operations and logistics functions of the Legal Department, which include coordinating logistical needs for the Department, support and assistance for Legal Department attorneys and Department activities.

Primary Responsibilities: (Any one position may not include all of the specific duties and responsibilities listed. Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in the classification.)

Performs highly confidential work and administrative duties, including preparing and processing of confidential documents/information (i.e., correspondence, invoices, check requests); maintains records and filing systems of same. Supports SEIU attorneys responsible for confidential work, including Ethics- and HR-related issues, specifically related to labor relations matters including grievances, arbitrations, litigation and other labor and employment matters. Maintains records within the legal department. Supports attorneys: maintains attorney calendars and appointments, including confidential meetings; assists with attorney expense reports; opens and distributes mail, including confidential mail; answers and directs calls. Organizes meetings and conferences with and for attorneys, including confidential negotiations, negotiations related to collective bargaining, depositions, court and agency appearances. Arranges travel logistics including, but not limited to flights, car rentals, hotel accommodations, makes any changes necessary, confirms that individuals or groups have completed travel or arrived at destinations, and alerts manager or his or her designee of any potential or realized problems. Assists attorneys with organizing and maintaining files and records, both electronic and hard copy, assists with maintenance of legal library and databases. Arranges training sessions, including in-person trainings, teleconferences, and webinars, conducted by SEIU attorneys for SEIU staff. Composes correspondence regarding administrative functions and/or which require technical knowledge of department activities. Maintains litigation files and dockets, maintains litigation hold records, and assists lawyers in preparing and filing legal documents including charges, complaints, briefs, and exhibits; performs similar duties for internal labor relations matters related to interactions with staff unions and Human Resources. Manages administrative projects of moderate complexity with minimal supervision; can prioritize work. Assists with and completes special projects. Performs other duties as required to support the legal department and its mission.

 

Contacts:  

SEIU officers, staff, local leaders, other unions, private organizations, and/or outside counsel or organizations.

Direction and Decision Making:

This position works under general supervision and reports to the Legal Department Senior Program manager, and takes direction from several SEIU attorneys.

Education and Experience:

Graduation from high school and at least four years of secretarial/administrative assistant experience in a legal setting (e.g., law firm or legal department). 

The following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge of legal processes and procedures (e.g., litigation support experience, brief formatting and filing experience). Knowledge of modern office practices and principles. Knowledge of the correct uses of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Knowledge of administrative office functions. Ability to create and maintain litigation and other legal office files. Ability to effectively manage multiple projects exercising independent judgment. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to organize assignments, meet deadlines and pay attention to detail. Ability to handle confidential information, budgets and personnel issues. Ability to make independent decisions that are consistent with department procedures. Skill in the use of personal computers using word processing, database software, or other SEIU software including Google Suite (Google Docs, Drive, and Calendar); Microsoft Office Suite (Word Intermediate, Excel Intermediate, PowerPoint Intermediate); the internet (including legal databases such as Westlaw, Bloomberg Law, and Lexis); and remote/teleworking tools like Zoom Meetings and Webinars.

Physical Requirements:

Work is currently performed in a hybrid office/telework setting in Washington, DC, but employees may be required to work in other settings conducive to performing the tasks required to complete assignments.  Some travel and extended hours will be required.

Testing:

Microsoft Word - Intermediate

Microsoft Excel - Intermediate

Microsoft PowerPoint - Intermediate

Typing Speed - 55 WPM