Practice Area Specialist

Flexible hybrid work schedule! 

Thompson Coburn, a large full-service law firm with offices in seven (7) cities across the U.S., is in search of a Practice Area Specialist to join its Washington D.C. office. With over 400 attorneys and experience in 50 areas of law, Thompson Coburn is regularly recognized as providing clients with outstanding value and service. If you are looking for an opportunity to begin a new career in the legal industry, then we might have a position for you.

Under the direction of the Firm’s Paralegal Manager, the Practice Area Specialist will provide support to attorneys and paralegals in several corporate and transactional practice groups. The person selected for the position must have excellent communication and organizational skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment. A bachelor degree is required. This non-exempt position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Job Responsibilities

• Assists attorneys in the corporate and securities group with various support tasks, such as:  checking name availability and reserving corporate names, obtaining certificates of good standing, preparing and filing applications for federal employer identification number, preparing and filing articles of incorporation and bylaws, and preparing and filing annual reports and franchise tax reports for various authorities.
• Assists attorneys in secured transactions with various matters, such as: ordering and reviewing UCC search results, drafting UCC financing statements and subsequent amendments, assignments, or terminations and arranging for filing of same. 
• Assists attorneys in the transportation and project finance group with filings with the U.S. Coast Guard, Surface Transportation Board, and Federal Aviation Administration. 
• Assists attorneys in the energy group with various tasks, such as monitoring Federal Energy Regulatory Commission filings and issuances, summarizing orders and pleadings, conducting research, drafting document-less motions to intervene, and assisting with discovery, testimony, and briefs in hearing proceedings.
• Assists transactional practice groups by coordinating various aspects of closing, including assembly and preparation of documents for signature, closing arrangements, organization and distribution of closing materials.
• Assists attorneys in the international trade group on a variety of support tasks, such as monitoring the Federal Register for potentially relevant development, using specialized software and internet research skills, screening parties for international sanctions compliance, producing regular reports on client activities, producing reports using government databases, structuring large databases and spreadsheets to clearly communicate the information contained therein.
• Assists other practice areas, as needed.
• Tracks billable and nonbillable hours. 

Job Requirements 

• Must possess a high level of professionalism and interpersonal skills so as to be able to work well with employees at all levels within the organization and maintain all information in the strictest of confidence. Required to use tact and diplomacy when dealing with others. 
• Must have the ability to read, write and communicate fluent English; ability to compose documents in the appropriate business style using correct grammar and spelling; ability to communicate clearly using proper grammar and diction over the telephone.
• Must be detail oriented, have excellent organizational skills, the ability to balance multiple projects, work independently and have strong time management skills, as well as prioritize work load.
• Must be a dynamic and creative thinker, and adept at solving problems
• Must have the ability to reason and apply common-sense understanding to situations encountered.
• Must be able to process routine daily functions while being able to resolve sensitive issues and complex assignments utilizing above average critical thinking skills.
• Must be proactive communicating issues relating to assignment expectations and the ability to meet deadlines or expectations. 
• The physical demands for this position are representative of those that must be met by an employee in order to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. These include being both mobile and stationary throughout the work day, having the ability to transport 25 pounds and being able to operate a computer and other business equipment found in the office.  
• Must be able to work overtime, as needed and be able to travel locally, as required.
• Must have strong technical skills including proficiency in Adobe, Microsoft Word, including the use of Styles, and Excel, including the use of Pivot Tables and database functionalities, and the ability to quickly learn new technology. 

Covid-19 Considerations

Thompson Coburn is committed to the safety of our workplace so that each team member of the Firm can serve our clients with minimal disruption, therefore, during the current pandemic COVID-19 vaccines are required for all team members, including those that are newly hired, except where legally required. 

Thompson Coburn LLP is a large, full service, multi-state firm with offices in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and Washington D.C. At Thompson Coburn, our behavior and the expectations we have of ourselves are guided by the values that we hold in the highest regard: integrity, a passion for excellence, a focus on serving the client, a value of diversity, innovation, creativity, trust, and loyalty. Within the Firm, we value each other as people and colleagues. In addition to the exceptional working environment and a competitive salary, Thompson Coburn provides the following benefit options to qualifying employees: 

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance 
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance & ADD policies
• Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) Profit Sharing plans
• Parking/Transportation Stipend
• Section 125 Plan (Pre-tax premiums, dependent care and medical reimbursement)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• College Savings Plan Deductions (529 Plans)
• Long Term Care

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V