Legal Assistant at Pettis Webber Pacific P.S. in Vancouver, WA

We are looking for an exceptional Legal Assistant to join our team.

Let's be upfront: this is a busy job. It requires someone who takes responsibility seriously, pays attention to detail, and takes pride in doing things well. People will depend on you, and the work you do matters. This is a role for someone who likes being the person who has things handled. Someone who notices what needs attention, takes initiative, follows through, and wants to do good work because doing good work matters to you.

We will train you and give you direction, feedback, and support. We value someone who appreciates good direction, is open to feedback, and wants to keep getting better at what they do. You should be comfortable asking questions, learning from others, and looking for opportunities to improve. What we will not do is spend our days reminding you about things you already know need to be done. This is not a job where you will be handed a list of assignments and wait for someone to tell you what to do next. We also want to be clear about what we don't want. We don't want someone who does only what is specifically assigned, gets annoyed when priorities change, or needs to be chased through their work. We don't want someone who is careless with details or comfortable leaving things unfinished. If responsibility, accountability, and follow-through feel like a burden rather than part of doing a job well, this is not the job for you.

We work as a team, and we expect people to be dependable, willing to help, and willing to address problems rather than leave them for someone else. We also value people who approach others with maturity, respect, and a willingness to understand different perspectives. Most importantly, we expect clients to be treated with patience, dignity, and respect.

This is not an easy job, and we are not pretending that it is. But if you like being busy, take pride in being someone people can count on, and want to do work that matters, you may love it here.

Submit your resume and a cover letter. Tell us what you do exceptionally well, what you take pride in, and what you are looking for in your next position. Most importantly, tell us why you think you would be a good fit for this particular job and our team. We also recommend reading The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is one of the guides we use in how we approach our work and our relationships with one another. If the ideas resonate with you, that may tell you something about what it is like to work here.

Responsibilities

• Perform the administrative and operational work necessary to support the legal work of assigned matters
• Coordinate information, documents, appointments, and follow-up needed for assigned matters
• Gather, organize, enter, and maintain client information and documentation
• Open, maintain, organize, and close electronic and physical client files in accordance with Firm procedures
• Prepare, format, scan, copy, organize, and proofread letters, documents, checklists, and other materials
• Prepare and organize materials needed for client meetings and signing appointments
• Communicate directly with clients regarding information needed, appointments, next steps, and other non-substantive matters within the scope of the role
• Follow up with clients regarding missing information or documentation
• Schedule and coordinate appointments and other time-sensitive activities
• Maintain accurate and organized electronic and physical files and records
• Accurately enter and document client communications, appointments, documents, and other matter activity in Firm systems
• Complete follow-up after meetings, including documenting information, updating tasks, and confirming next steps with the legal team
• Monitor upcoming appointments, deadlines, and follow-up items and bring matters requiring attention to the appropriate team member
• Conduct estate planning signing appointments as a Notary Public using Firm-approved procedures and checklists
• Maintain accurate and timely time entries
• Assist with general administrative and document-related tasks as needed within the legal team
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with Firm policies and applicable professional requirements
• Communicate professionally, respectfully, and compassionately with clients, family members, coworkers, and others

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience working in a professional environment requiring organization, attention to detail, follow-through, and effective communication
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple matters, deadlines, and changing priorities
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to learn, understand, and follow detailed procedures and workflows
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive personal information appropriately
• Reliable follow-through, accountability, and ability to take responsibility for assigned work
• Proficiency with office technology, computer systems, document management, and common office software
• Ability to work independently while also communicating and collaborating effectively with a team
• Current Washington State Notary Public commission, or ability and willingness to obtain and maintain one
• Valid driver's license, current auto insurance, and regular access to a personal vehicle for occasional Firm-related travel and off-site needs, sometimes with little advance notice
• Ability to perform occasional light physical tasks, including lifting up to 25 pounds

Preferred

• Previous experience as a Legal Assistant or in a similar legal support role
• Experience working in a law firm or other professional legal environment
• Experience with file management, document processing, data entry, or other administrative support
• Experience working with confidential client information
• Experience working directly with clients in a professional or legal setting