JOB OVERVIEW:
The Legal Assistant (Contracts) supports the efforts of the Darden Law team by communicating with others, researching issues, completing various forms, and drafting legal documents. S/he tracks and ensures completion of various legal activities. The Legal Assistant (Contracts) serves as a point of contact for various customers (e.g., Outside Counsel, internal Darden teams) in responding to requests for information. Work is performed under the supervision of an attorney.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides support for legal issues to Darden Law Function team members:
- Supports one or more attorney(s) and/or Contract Manager and/or Paralegal by performing activities including responding to requests, researching issues, obtaining pertinent information, and drafting/completing forms and documents.
- Manages legal files; creates hard-copy files and electronic file documents; maintains physical files and electronic databases.
- Uploads information into information systems.
- Composes correspondence from very brief written or verbal information with minimal supervision; reviews, edits, and formats documents.
- Runs reports using information systems (e.g., Oracle, Serengeti, IBPM, Ariba); may create documents including summaries, graphs, and charts; shares reports with members of the law team (e.g., attorneys).
- Coordinates interaction between one or more parties (e.g., Darden Law, Outside Counsel), including the scheduling of conference calls and meetings.
- Receives and pursues information; responds to requests from attorneys with information obtained by reviewing legal documents and exploring data in files/databases.
- Interfaces with Darden RSC functions (Supply Chain, Finance, IT, International Business Development) and Brand Leaders to obtain status of various commercial issues related to or ongoing deals.
- Identifies and tracks the progress and status of various commercial transactions; ensures that deadlines are not missed by members of the team.
- Supports members of the legal team by preparing expense reports and responding to expense audits; may make travel arrangements.
- Composes correspondence from very brief written or verbal information with minimal supervision; reviews, edits, and formats documents.
- Runs reports using information systems (e.g., Oracle, Serengeti, IBPM, Ariba); may create documents including summaries, graphs, and charts; shares reports with members of the law team (e.g., attorneys).
- Coordinates interaction between one or more parties (e.g., Darden Law, Outside Counsel), including the scheduling of conference calls and meetings.
- Receives and pursues information; responds to requests from attorneys with information obtained by reviewing legal documents and exploring data in files/databases.
- Interfaces with Darden RSC functions (Supply Chain, Finance, IT, International Business Development) and Brand Leaders to obtain status of various commercial issues related to or ongoing deals.
- Identifies and tracks the progress and status of various commercial transactions; ensures that deadlines are not missed by members of the team.
- Supports members of the legal team by preparing expense reports and responding to expense audits; may make travel arrangements.
- Sorts and prioritizes mail
- Manages calendars as assigned
- Answers/returns calls from the regarding legal issues in order to collect information and route calls; records clear, concise and accurate messages as needed.
- Drafts legal documents and/or completes various legal forms (e.g., letters, memorandums, NDAs, SOWs, Franchise templates).
- Maintains integrity and confidentiality of confidential data, materials, communication, and information.
REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS:
- Prior experience as a Legal Secretary/Assistant required.
- Knowledge and ability to use computers and various programs and information systems (e.g., MS Office Suite, Adobe).
- Knowledge and understanding of common legal terms, policies, rules, regulations, and laws within the practice area.
- Knowledge of legal terminology and legal environments.
REQUIRED EDUCATION:
-High school diploma or equivalent required*; Associates degree preferred
*Equivalent education, training, or experience may be considered
OTHER KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Ability to complete work accurately
- Ability to multi-task
- Ability to organize and plan work/tasks
- Ability to organize things (e.g., files)
- Ability to plan and prioritize based on changing demands and needs
- Ability to reprioritize in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to respond quickly to urgent requests
- Ability to synthesize data and determine appropriate follow-up actions
- Ability to use other office equipment (e.g., scanners, typewriters, etc.)
- Ability to work across organizational boundaries
- Ability to work constructively with others in a high intensity work environment
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Communication Skills (General Written, Verbal) (Proficient)
- Business Writing Skills (Proficient)
- Ability to use Computer Based Databases
Customer Service Skills (Proficient)
- Detail Orientation
- Flexibility
- Follow-up Skills (Proficient)
- Internet-based research skills (Intermediate)
- Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Willingness to be assertive