Legal Assistants
Skadden currently employs approximately 250 legal assistants worldwide, consisting of both recent college graduates and senior level professionals who come from a variety of employment and academic backgrounds. Generally, legal assistants work as part of a team under the supervision of a Team Leader or Case Manager and are assigned to matters in either the corporate or litigation practice areas
Corporate legal assistants work closely with attorneys and perform a variety of tasks throughout a corporate transaction, including:
- Due Diligence: Assist attorneys with research and analysis as part of a corporate transaction.
- Data rooms: Create, manage and supervise the site where a target company's documents are reviewed by potential bidders.
- Securities and Exchange Commission filing: Assist attorneys in filing periodic reports with the SEC.
- Deal work: Assist attorneys in drafting and distributing deal documents and provide key assistance during the transaction closing process.
Litigation legal assistants work closely with attorneys and provide support during each phase of a litigation, including:
- Court filings: Prepare and file court documents. This work requires a solid understanding of a variety of specific court rules and electronic filing guidelines.
- Research: Perform research using a variety of sources, including the internet, LexisNexis, Westlaw, libraries and news articles.
- Deposition, interview and meeting preparation: Assist with depositions, expert interviews and client meetings by assembling the relevant files and coordinating logistics.
- Document review: Work closely with the firm’s Legal Technology Department and attorneys to facilitate the review of documents. Help organize and process electronic data and paper files, assist in creating databases and preparing files for attorney review.
- Document production: A vital step in the discovery process, document production requires excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the process. Knowledge of case documents is key as attorneys rely on input and information relayed by legal assistants.
- Trial: Provide support at trial by coordinating the delivery of files to the trial site, setting up a trial office and handling documents during court proceedings. Trial is the ultimate test for both attorneys and legal assistants, requiring a high level of resourcefulness, quick thinking and dedication.
International Opportunities
International matters constitute a growing percentage of the firm’s business. Legal assistants may be involved in a variety of matters ranging from translating documents to traveling abroad to assist with foreign-based corporate transactions or litigations.
Pro Bono Opportunities
Skadden believes strongly in its commitment to serve the community by providing pro bono, or free, legal services to community members. Legal assistants may take part in a wide variety of pro bono matters handled by the firm, such as cases involving criminal appeals, political asylum applications, domestic abuse claims, divorce and custody matters, and the incorporation of nonprofit organizations. Pro bono cases offer legal assistants the opportunity to work in a more independent fashion and to assume a higher level of responsibility. For pro bono highlights, click here.
Legal Practice Assistant Opportunities
Skadden also provides a unique Legal Practice Assistant role, designed for recent college graduates who may be interested in pursuing a career in the legal field and would benefit from first-hand law firm exposure. This is an entry-level position in the Legal Assistant Services Department, providing diversified case/deal support involving significant contact with attorneys, legal assistants and other professional staff. Legal Practice Assistants complete an extensive training program, which covers a wide spectrum of topics ranging from basic legal assistant skills to the latest advances in legal technology.