Careers for Staff

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.

Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C. is seeking a full-time paralegal who will provide comprehensive support to attorneys in various legal matters, handling a range of tasks related to case management, document preparation, client communication, and legal research. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Minimum Qualifications:

• One (1) to three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a professional services environment (e.g., legal, financial, accounting, business).
• Proficiency in Windows-based programs, including Excel.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work at least 37 ½ hours per week.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills. Capacity to learn and understand new concepts and apply them correctly.

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.

• Assist attorneys with all aspects of case management, from initial intake to completion.
• Prepare legal documents.
• Conduct legal research using various resources, including online databases and law libraries.
• Communicate effectively with clients, attorneys, and other parties involved in legal matters.
• Maintain accurate records and case files.
• Utilize computer and appropriate software to perform tasks efficiently.
• Participate in training programs to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisors or attorneys.

Required Characteristics:

• Organized: Coordinate work and set priorities 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 and select suitable alternatives when confronted by obstacles.
• Collaborative: Exhibit teamwork effort. Adjust work priorities and go with the flow when changes occur. Cooperate with and assist fellow employees.
• Professional: Follow ethical guidelines. 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. Extend kindness and consideration to fellow employees.
• Responsible: Keep current with the 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.

Working 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.