Careers for Staff

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. is seeking a full-time receptionist. Under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures, the successful candidate will perform all functions related to receiving and directing calls, clients, vendors, and deliveries. They will maintain the appearance of the lobby and conference rooms, and project a positive, professional image to clients, attorneys, and staff.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Ability to read and write at levels normally required through completion of high school or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of on-the-job experience in an office environment, preferably with exposure to the operation of a multi-line telephone switchboard. Secretarial training may also be acceptable.
• Demonstrated ability to treat clients and co-workers with a high level of courtesy and respect at all times.
• Ability to work irregular hours and/or more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: “Essential functions” are primarily job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation made by the employer.

• Greet all callers and visitors in a professional and courteous manner. Notify Chief Executive Office and Human Resources in the event of problem situations.
• Utilize a multi-line switchboard, answer all telephone calls within a reasonable timeframe and direct calls appropriately.
• Receive and record deliveries to the firm and/or individuals in the firm and route them to the proper individual in a timely manner.
• Maintain neatness of lobby and reception areas. Monitor appearance of first floor conference rooms and arrange for clean up as needed. Notify supervisor of problem areas. Act as the coordinator of the 1st floor conference room schedule.
• Send confidential faxes and assure the return of original documents to the sender.
• Assist with time entry, corrections, and mass mail projects as needed.
• Project a genuine concern and attentiveness to all clients, callers, visitors, and staff at all times.
• Utilize computer and appropriate software to perform tasks in an efficient manner and according to Knox Best Practices.
• Participant in training programs to learn and incorporate new computer skills and operational methods to meet prevailing Knox Best Practices as required for the position.
• Perform all other tasks as may be assigned from time to time by attorneys or the Chief Executive Officer.

Qualified candidates may submit a resume and cover letter to Tara Mobley (contact information above).

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, genetics, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, or because of an individual’s engaging in legally protected activities.

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. is seeking a full-time employee to serve as messenger/courier. Under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures, the successful candidate will deliver information, correspondence and small packages to appropriate internal individuals and out‑of‑office locations. They will observe confidentiality in all client and firm matters.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Ability to read and write at a level normally acquired through the completion of high school or equivalent.
• Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
• Interpersonal skills necessary in order to effectively communicate and follow instruction from a diverse group of attorneys and staff and provide information with ordinary courtesy and tact.
• Ability to retrieve and distribute files, written documents or office supplies weighing up to 75 pounds and ability to retrieve and replace objects from shelves of up to 8 feet high.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation made by the employer:

• Deliver and retrieve messages, correspondence, and small packages to and from appropriate individuals inside and outside the building in a timely and accurate manner.
• Exhibit understanding of the importance of the messenger role in the flow of work by performing all tasks with attention to detail and urgency.
• Sort and prepare outgoing mail including utilization of postage meter. Sort and distribute incoming mail in a timely and accurate manner.
• Assist in the upkeep of facilities by cleaning up trash, shoveling snow, watering plants, and performing other light housekeeping functions as needed.
• Stock necessary supplies and equipment in conference rooms and coffee areas.
• Stock photocopier and ancillary supply areas as needed.
• Identify needs for maintenance and facility improvements and bring them to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer. Coordinate contracted maintenance activities.
• Perform light maintenance duties. (i.e., light bulb replacement, minor repairs, and movement of light furniture).
• Operate copier, fax machine, binding equipment and shredder when needed.
• Perform all other tasks as may be assigned from time to time by attorneys or the Chief Executive Officer.

Required Characteristics:

• Organized: Coordinate and prioritize work to complete tasks in a timely manner and meet deadlines. Maintain neat and orderly filing systems and work areas.
• Motivated: Take initiative in obtaining information required to complete assignments. Ask questions when in doubt. Display innovation in developing new methods to assignments. Select suitable alternatives when confronted by obstacles.
• Collaborative: Exhibit teamwork effort. Adjust work priorities and go with the flow when changes occur. Extend kindness and consideration to fellow employees.
• Professional: Poised and effective under pressure. Accept constructive criticism in a positive manner. Display willingness to discuss problems with appropriate party. Apply common sense and integrity to daily work and exercise proper judgment.
• Responsible: Keep current with supervisor by following through on assignments and discussing schedules. Display flexibility with work hours when necessary to complete assigned work. Exhibit dependability through good attendance and timeliness. Maintain confidentiality.

Work Conditions: Typical law firm office environment with generally little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature extremes, and the like.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

Qualified candidates may submit a resume and cover letter to Tara Mobley (contact information above).

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, genetics, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, or because of an individual’s engaging in legally protected activities.

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. is seeking a full-time employee for our Erie office to perform a variety of paralegal and administrative duties. The successful candidate will have the general responsibility for all aspects of a client’s estate plan as assigned by attorney. He/she shall prepare personal financial statements and flow charts of the estate plan, work with client to change asset titles and beneficiary designations as their estate plan dictates, provide estate work support to other members of the firm, and provide estate tax advice to clients.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Economics, or other related field or IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) Designation.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in estate work, finance, or accounting. Computer skills including the use of Windows based programs, specifically intermediate excel (basic formulas).
• Excellent customer service attitude and the ability to communicate effectively with clients, either by phone or in person.
• Able to work at least 37 ½ hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Highly organized.
• Fast learner. Many complex topics to learn.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare personal financial statements, flow charts, diagrams and other support documents for estate planning based on individual tax returns, asset lists and other documentation as provided by accountants and clients.
• Review draft estate planning documents for accuracy.
• Assist client with beneficiary changes and titling of assets to best coordinate with estate plan.
• Communicate effectively with other paralegals, clients, third parties (e.g. accountants, insurance brokers), attorneys and support staff.
• Monitor progress of assignments and bring conflicts to the attention of the responsible attorney.
• Assure efficient and effective use of estate planning software. Identify training needs and make necessary arrangements. Identify system problems and work with the System Administrator to find solutions.
• Utilize computer and appropriate software to perform tasks in an efficient manner and according to Knox Best Practices.
• Participate in training programs to learn and incorporate new computer skills and operational methods to meet prevailing Knox Best Practices as required for the position.

Qualified candidates may submit a resume and cover letter to Tara Mobley (contact information above).

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, genetics, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, or because of an individual’s engaging in legally protected activities.

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. is seeking a full-time employee for our Erie office to perform a variety of secretarial duties, under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures. The successful candidate will maintain positive contact with clients, attorneys, and staff and maintain confidentiality of client matters.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write and perform non-complex math calculations as normally required through completion of high school or equivalent.
• High level of comprehension of legal terminology and complex documents, preferably related to real estate transactions.
• Approximately one to two years clerical job experience including Word experience.
• Ability to type on a computer keyboard and at least 40 wpm.
• Ability to work at least 37 1/2 hours per week in a law firm environment and provide own transportation to and from work. Ability to work hours in addition to the regular work schedule as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Utilize a computer to produce legal documents, memoranda, and correspondence according to prevailing Knox Best Practices.
• Participate in training programs to learn and incorporate new computer skills and operational methods to meet prevailing Knox Best Practices as required for the position.
• Follow attorney instruction and produce accurate work. Proofread all work to assure documents are free of spelling, grammatical, and typographical errors.
• Maintain good client relationships by handling all calls, e‑mails, and visitors in an appropriate manner.
• Open, sort and date incoming mail. Ensure the timely delivery of outgoing mail, faxes, and e‑mails.
• Maintain effective and efficient calendar and deadline systems utilizing appropriate firm technology.
• Arrange for court reporters and other purchased services. Register attorney(s) for seminars.
• Conduct conflict checks for new clients and accurately open billing files for all matters. Prepare paper files and maintain file organization.
• Enter attorney time into the time and billing software in time for month end closing. Proof, review, and edit prebills. Process bills and monitor accounts receivables.
• Possess an understanding of attorney’s practice and actively participate in the flow of work in order to proactively assist attorneys.
• Perform all other tasks as may be assigned from time to time by attorneys or the Chief Operating Officer.

Qualified candidates may submit a resume and cover letter to Tara Mobley (contact information above).

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, genetics, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, or because of an individual’s engaging in legally protected activities.