Job Responsibilities
My duties are answering the phones of three busy associates,
preparing litigation backs, editing and proof reading documents.
I also file expense reports on a weekly basis, file
correspondence and enter record their billable hours on through
the Carpe Diem software system. The workload depends upon how
busy the attorneys are. In the summer months it tends to be a
little slower than the fall and winter months. This also varies
depending on whether the attorney you are assigned to is a
Partner.
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Job Requirements
When I interviewed for the position, I was told that they prefer
a college degree and paralegal certificate, even though I was not
applying for a paralegal certificate. Basically, it really boils
down to if the administration likes your demeanor and feels that
you are professional. You also have to pass a 5 hour Secretarial
test consisting of spelling, grammar, proofreading, typing,
Miscrosoft Word and basic math.
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Uppers
The best part about my job is that my colleagues are really nice people. The
overwhelming majority are also generous, concerned and considerate towards one
another. I have seen a huge number of baby showers here where the guest of honor
wonders how they will get all the gifts home, because there are so many. The
firm does not have 'birthday parties,' however, I have seen many co-workers chip
in and buy birthday cakes to celebrate birthdays of someone who works on their
floor.
The in house Fitness Center is nice, although small. The cafeteria is nice to
have inside the building, especially on cold days or when the weather is
inclement and you don't wish to venture outside.
Overtime is on a volunteer basis.
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Downers
One down side is that since we occupy pretty much an entire
building, you hardly get to see people from other floors. We
also have an Annex now, since the merger with Pennie & Edmonds
and no one who works in the 'main' building seems to know anyone
who works in the Annex and vice versa.
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Lifestyle
The company has an annual holiday party that is usually very nice, however,
since one person decided to do an impromptu strip tease one year, dancing has
since been banned at all of our social events. The dress code is business
professional (which is rarely adhered to), with business casual Firdays and
business casual in the summer months. The firm also hosts a series of receptions
for the staff to get to know one another better.
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Compensation
Salary increases usually take place in July of every year for
staff. Staff usually get Christmas bonuses on or around the
second week of September. We also get a check in February for
all unused sick time.
Starting Salary, I beleive is $50,000 and commensurate with
experience.
A group of Associates left the firm afer it was decided that none
of them would receive bonuses last Christmas. It came rather
unexpectedly and left a bad taste in the mouths of many. I don't
know if they are planning to ax the staff bonuses.
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Advice to Jobseekers
I would not rush to join any 'cliques.' Take your time and get a
feel for people first. Also, do not attempt to cross or disobey
the Chief Librarian. She tends to take these things very
seriously and will perceive it as a personal attack or
undermining of her authority. The Office Administrator is by far
the most fair and non-judgemental of any that I have ever
encountered in a law firm. Avoid conversations with too many
details with those in the Fax Department as they are notorious
gossips. The Managing Partner is known for making rounds to see
who is working and who isn't.
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