Job Summary:

 

The Associate attorney is responsible for providing overflow support to Mr. Chefalo, as well as generating new business for the practice. The Associate takes phone calls from potential clients, negotiates fee amounts and arranges for fee payments and completes all necessary tasks for taking on new business. The position is required to make court appearances in several different counties, researching cases and writing appropriate related documents, and meeting predetermined deadlines. The Associate is also required to set and meet predetermined financial goals for him/herself and the practice.

Specific Duties_,:

 

1. Acts in a professional manner reflecting the philosophy of Gerald F. Chefalo, Attorney at Law.

2. Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships with all practice employees and clients.

3. Assumes responsibility for clients and tasks as assigned by Gerald or Shen Chefalo.

4. Speaks with potential new clients as well as existing clients on the telephone. Negotiates fee amounts for new cases and arranges for fee payments. Returns all telephone messages within 24-hours. Establishes a "new contact" in Amicus system for every new phone contact.

5.      Conducts research and writes documents related to cases.

6. Makes appearances on behalf of clients or the law practice in various courts in northern Michigan.

7. Arranges for appointments and meetings with clients. Reviews all previously scheduled meetings or other events and resolves any schedule conflicts

8.      Keeps track of all client-related notes in the Amicus system.

9. Keeps time sheets up to date, entering all time spent on billable files in the Amicus system as they occur. Posts times daily.

10. Keeps up to date on all assigned cases, meeting deadlines and ensuring that documents are prepared and finalized in a timely manner.

11. Keeps office staff informed of schedule on a daily basis, including delays for any reason.

12. With the Chefalos, sets monthly financial goals for self and the practice. Ensures that all financial goals are met or exceeded each month.

13. Responsible for firm's collection activity, including monthly review of outstanding receivables, making collections calls, and legal pursuit of unpaid accounts.

14.     Arrives at work or other appointments on time every day.

15. Is accountable for completing all tasks accurately and completely when generated by the Associate or as assigned by the Chefalos.

16. Assists with telephone triage for the firm, including availability after hours, on weekends and holidays.

17. Makes suggestions for improvement and policy updates to the Chefalos, 13. Adheres to policies and processes as provided by the Chefalos.

19. Performs other tasks and duties as requested. Assists with, or will be given

responsibility for other duties as operations and clients' needs change.

Entry Requirements:

 

1 Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.

2 Successful admission to the Sate Bar of Michigan.

3 One to three years of criminal legal experience preferred.

4 Valid Michigan driver's license

Supervision Received_,:

 

Under the supervision of Gerald F. and/or Shen Chefalo. Supervision Exercised:

 

None

 

Interpersonal Relationships:

 

Works closely with all law office staff

 

Skills and Abilities:

 

1. Outstanding interpersonal, client interaction, communications and telephone skills.

2.      Must be able to speak clearly and concisely.

3.      Shares and receives information and instruction appropriately.

4.      Takes initiative and works independently.

5.      Ability to manage multiple tasks.

6.      Working knowledge of a variety of computer software programs

 

Working Conditions:

 

1.      Works in well lighted, clean, smoke free surroundings.

2.      Dresses in appropriate professional attire (court attire on a daily basis).

3.      Maintains a clean and well-groomed appearance.

4.      Keeps work area neat and professional.

 

Physical Requirements:

 

1. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, mouse, copier, multi-line telephone system and other office equipment.