Pro Bono, Legal Assistant
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on us for their most challenging legal and business matters. From offices in the world’s key financial centers and political capitals, our more than 1,000 lawyers collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions.
Job title: Pro Bono, Legal Assistant
Location: New York
Department: Pro Bono
Reports to: Chief Pro Bono Counsel
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; overtime as needed (longer hours often required)
Position Summary
The Legal Assistant – Pro Bono is a vital member of Davis Polk’s growing team of professionals dedicated to providing pro bono legal services. The Legal Assistant – Pro Bono works closely with the firm’s Chief Pro Bono Counsel and other attorneys within the Pro Bono practice and is responsible for providing direct support across the firm’s wide array of pro bono services, including both litigation and corporate matters. The Legal Assistant – Pro Bono should be comfortable working with individuals from many different backgrounds and underserved communities.
Essentials Duties and Responsibilities
Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Supports all phases of Pro Bono litigation matters from commencement through conclusion. Representative tasks include:
- Monitoring case calendar
- Assisting with client meetings / interviews
- Preparing correspondence
- Assisting with deposition preparation
- Acting as core member of trial team by managing logistics, helping to arrange vendors, preparing exhibits and witness lists, and anticipating needs of trial team
- Setting up legal calls with incarcerated clients
Supports Corporate pro bono matters. Representative tasks include:
- Assisting with organizing and preparing for client clinics
- Preparing team communications and distributions
- Helping with execution of deal, corporate governance, and entity formation documents
- Organizing and maintaining client trackers to record matter progress and status
- Assisting attorneys with transaction closings
- Organizing templates, precedents, laws & regulations, and other resources on pro bono intranet pages
Other representative tasks include:
- Assists with immigration matters as needed
- Drafts reports and presentations regarding Pro Bono work
- Coordinates other support services on pro bono matters, including Word Processing, Copy Center, IT and Mailroom support
- Performs administrative and organizational tasks as needed
Qualifications / Position Requirements
- Highly motivated and conscientious with a sharp eye for detail
- Exceptional organization, time management, and communication skills (both oral and written)
- Careful proofreader
- Experience with research
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Ability to thrive in a collegial and collaborative work environment
- Strong computer skills; proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Interest in supporting a wide range of pro bono services
Education and/or Experience
- Four-year college degree
- Two years experience in a legal assistant or paralegal role preferred
- Community based volunteer work and/or demonstrated commitment to public service
- Spanish-language fluency highly preferred
Compensation
The expected base salary for this position ranges from $60,000 – $75,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, anticipated assignment, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
