Practice Assistant (Chicago)
Honigman is a premier business law firm, based in Michigan with an international practice. Honigman is consistently recognized as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Places to Work, we earned this recognition by recruiting attorneys and staff members with outstanding credentials. Currently, we are looking for a Practice Assistant in our Chicago office. In addition to our Chicago office, we have offices in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, Kalamazoo, Detroit, MI., and Washington D.C. With more than 350 attorneys working in 60 different areas of concentration, Honigman provides timely and cost-effective counsel to clients in numerous industries. Job Summary The role provides high‑quality administrative and organizational support to attorneys and clients in a fast‑paced legal environment. This position requires a professional, highly motivated, intellectually curious, organized self‑starter with the ability to anticipate needs and maintain attention to detail as well as a deep understanding of ongoing legal matters. Mastery of Firm software—including the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe, Nuance, and the document management system—is essential. Familiarity with file‑sharing platforms ( e.g. , LiquidFiles) and virtual data rooms is preferred. Litigation Support: Provides administrative and procedural support for litigation matters, including coordinating court filings and service, monitoring dockets and court activity, preparing routine filing and discovery materials, coordinating depositions, compiling exhibits, obtaining transcripts and case law, and supporting other litigation-related activities. Develops and maintains familiarity with applicable court rules, procedures, and matter-specific requirements to facilitate accurate and timely support. Although often assigned to support specific attorneys, the Practice Assistant collaborates closely with other support professionals and may be assigned to work in a team to ensure efficient, accurate, and responsive service to the Firm and its clients. Responsibilities Document Preparation: Using Firm‑approved software and tools, prepares, revises, formats, and finalizes a wide variety of legal documents—including correspondence, memoranda, pleadings, agreements, and other time‑sensitive materials. A significant amount of time will be spent preparing and drafting hard copy/electronic documents. Organizing, assembling, and maintaining hard‑copy/electronic files, binders, and indexes to support ongoing matters will be required. The Practice Assistant is responsible for proofreading and formatting documents with a high degree of accuracy and ensuring all work complies with Firm standards and best practices. Practice Support: Provides comprehensive administrative assistance by coordinating with internal Firm departments to ensure seamless delivery of legal services which may include conflict checks, client/matter intake, engagement letters, expense and invoice processing, and billing support. Manages meeting and conference room scheduling, travel arrangements in accordance with Firm policies, and maintains accurate Outlook calendars. File Maintenance: Establishes and maintains organized electronic and paper files in compliance with Firm policies. Client Service and Teamwork: Upholds the Firm’s client service standards by effectively organizing and prioritizing workflow and balancing individual and team responsibilities. Builds and maintains professional, cooperative working relationships with attorneys, staff, administrators, and clients. Anticipates the needs of colleagues and clients, communicates information responsibly, and contributes ideas and solutions in a collaborative team environment. Professional Demeanor: Exhibits the highest level of professionalism in adhering to Firm policies and client service standards. Exercises discretion and sound judgment to uphold strict confidentiality requirements while performing complex administrative and billable tasks. Prior experience supporting a litigation practice, particularly Intellectual Property Litigation or Commercial Litigation, is strongly preferred. Familiarity with federal and state court filing procedures, docket management, discovery, and litigation-related deadlines is highly desirable. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree preferred; associate’s degree with at least three years of relevant administrative/legal experience, or a minimum of five years of applicable experience. Demonstrated relevant legal experience preferred. Experience in a professional services environment is helpful but not required. Demonstrates strong digital proficiency and a commitment to ongoing technological development. Able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced, detail‑oriented environment. Willingness to work overtime, as needed. Communicates clearly and responsibly, sharing and obtaining information in a concise and timely manner. Exhibits discretion with confidential information. Exhibits personal accountability, strong attention to detail, and a disciplined, conscientious approach to work. Applies critical thinking and sound judgment to identify issues and develop solutions. Conducts oneself with professionalism, reliability, integrity, composure, and a polished presence while upholding the Firm’s client service standards. Works cooperatively and effectively with colleagues to achieve shared goals. REQUIREMENTS Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship Pay Range and Compensation Package Honigman provides a generous total compensation package, which includes comprehensive health and well-being benefits, as well as 401k and profit sharing. The anticipated annual pay range for this role is $58,000-$85,000 (non-exempt). The actual offered pay rate will be determined based on various factors, including qualifications, experience, geographic location, education, external market data, and internal equity considerations. Benefits & Additional Information Successful candidates will enjoy an exceptional career opportunity within a welcoming environment. Eligible employees can also take advantage of Honigman’s comprehensive benefits program, highlights of which are below: Healthcare, life and disability insurance 401K and profit sharing Bonus program Generous All Purpose Leave (APL) program that increases with tenure Well-being programs (e.g., mental health services, medical resources, and more) Learning and development programs Employee discounts For more information, click on “Our Benefits” when you visit: https://www.honigman.com/careers-business-professionals Honigman is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any other category prohibited by applicable local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, and termination .
