COBRA Information

We just received a copy of the email concerning COBRA:

From: Administrative Committee
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 2:25 PM
To: ALL STAFF; ALL ASSOCIATES; ALL OF COUNSEL
Cc: ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
Subject: Important – COBRA Benefits

We are pleased to report that the Firm’s bank recently approved funding for certain December health premiums for W2 employees.

If you are laid off on November 30, then the Firm will pay the full COBRA premium for December for the health benefits in which you are currently enrolled. You will receive a COBRA election packet shortly. You will not need to return the COBRA election form or payment for December coverage as the Firm will automatically continue and pay for your COBRA coverage in December. If you have health coverage at a new job, or if you do not want COBRA coverage in December, then please send an email to Lisa Singh (lsingh@thelen.com) no later than December 4, indicating that you do not want health coverage in December. If you have a health care flexible spending account and wish to continue coverage in December, then you must submit the COBRA election form and payment as indicated on the form.

If you resign from the Firm, you will receive a COBRA packet and may elect and pay for COBRA coverage for December. Checks should be made payable to Thelen LLP and submitted, along with the election form, to Lisa Singh, National Benefits Manager, in the San Francisco office. You are encouraged to pay by December 4 to ensure continuous coverage. The 2008 COBRA rates are attached.

For employees who will be part of the wind down team, benefits will continue in December. I’m pleased to announce the Firm will pay the full premium for your current health elections in December. Deductions will continue as normal for any voluntary elections including the FSAs. The commuter benefit will be cancelled on November 30, 2008.

The Firm is attempting to secure basic group health coverage for the wind-down employees as of January 1, 2009. If group coverage is secured, then COBRA coverage for whatever plans are offered will be made available to anyone eligible for COBRA. If coverage is not secured, then the availability of COBRA will cease on December 31, 2008. Please review the FAQ for details on information regarding individual HIPAA conversion plans.

Several Lawsuits Filed

There are several articles posted late yesterday and today concerning several suits filed by former Thelen LLP employees against Thelen and the dissolution committee (see the News Articles section for more information).

The latest suit was filed in United States District Court for the Northern District of California and alleges violations of the WARN Act and failure to pay accrued vacation.  Download a pdf version of the filing here.

Earlier this month, a suit was filed in San Francisco Superior Court alleging similar claims including violations of the WARN Act and failure to pay accrued vacation.  Download a pdf version of the filing here.

I have already been contacted by ex-Thelen staff as to how to join either of this lawsuits.  My recommendation is to download the copies above and use the attorney contact information on the caption page to contact the firms representing the plaintiffs in these cases.

Job Posting: Legal Sectetary/Paralegal

San Francisco location of Dallas-based litigation law firm with high-level plaintiffs’ practice is looking for experienced Legal Secretary/Paralegal to join our team. Job requires excellent organization, writing, grammar and communication skills. Experience filing in state and federal courts, and e-filing experience required. Candidate must be proficient in MS Word, type at least 60 wpm (Excel skills a plus), have 5+ yrs litigation experience, as well as the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and operate well in a fast-paced environment. Experience with class action cases is a plus. Candidate must be billable as a paralegal. Employment will be on a temp to hire basis. For immediate consideration, please fax resume/salary requirements to 214/777-0491. EOE. No phone calls please.

Job Posting: Litigation Secretary – San Francisco

This information was passed on to us by Dwight Moody, an ex-Hellerite who is now working in the San Francisco office of Ropes & Gray. Thanks Dwight!

Job Description:
We are currently looking for an experienced Litigation Legal Secretary. Applicants must have knowledge of the Litigation processes in order to assist legal staff with pleadings from summons and complaints thru discovery documents to briefs and appeal briefs which includes table of contents, table of authorities and styles. This role will provide administrative assistance to firm’s legal staff as well as Ropes & Gray clients utilizing skills in word processing, transcription, telephone communication, filing system maintenance, calendar and travel scheduling and other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
* Opens, sorts and prioritizes mail for assigned legal staff.
Works cooperatively with identified team members, both legal and non-legal.
* Creates and maintains desk information sheet and is knowledgeable about desk information sheets of team members.
* Becomes proficient in firm billing software, Elite Billing with includes Carpe Diem, PreCost. Prepares and processes attorney bills from inception to completion, ensuring that they are distributed to the client.
* Performs routine to complex filing. Develops and maintains filing systems. Maintains electronic files within firm-licensed software.
* Prepares correspondence, memoranda and other legal and non-legal documents in an accurate and timely manner. Spell checks and proofreads each documents for content and context.
* Professional demeanor in all communications.
* Becomes proficient with office procedures and keeps current with policy manual, procedure manual and non exempt staff handbook.
* Remains flexible and responsive to firm’s operational needs.
* Provides overflow and team coverage throughout the firm at the direction of the Supervisor.
* Participates in firm initiatives. (Programs include PIP, training, professional development, focus groups.)
* Organizes daily calendar of assigned legal staff, coordinates conferences and arranges outside travel.

LITIGATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
* Knowledge of Litigation processes. Assist legal staff with pleadings from summons and complaints thru discovery documents to briefs and appeal briefs which includes table of contents, table of authorities and styles.
* Track information in databases relating to document production and privilege logs.
* Assist legal staff with file conversions including burning cds, creating pdf files and other formats for documents.
* Proficiency in general in firm licensed software as well as litigation -Litigation specific software.
* Participates actively in litigation- specific training programs.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
* Must have law firm litigation secretary experience
* Types 60 wpm. Proficient with Microsoft Office
* Excellent verbal, written, organizational and interpersonal skills
* Minimum requirement High School Diploma. 2 years work experience or 2 years secretarial school preferred

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES:
* Must demonstrate the ability to maintain strict confidentiality of the firm’s internal and external business matters.
* Ability to interact effectively with all levels of firm personnel, including management staff and support staff.
* Must be flexible and able to work under tight deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and respond quickly to changing priorities.
* Able to understand and work in a teamwork/collaborative style and environment.
* Must pay attention to details and have the ability to follow up and follow through.
* Ability to maintain professional demeanor in all situations.
* Reliable and punctual.
* Ability to work both independently or under specific direction.
* Ability to work effectively in a culturally and educationally diverse environment.
* Ability to work in a multi-office environment.

Additional Information:
WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal office environment and schedule.

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.

Apply online at the Ropes & Gray website: http://ropesgray.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=11845

Job Posting: Litigation Secretary – Sacramento

Lisa Hild, formerly Heller’s Professional Services Manager in San Francisco, has passed along this job posting at McDonough, Holland & Allen in Sacramento. Lisa is now the Secretarial Supervisor at McDonough, and is looking for a strong litigation secretary. She reports that her commute to Sacramento is only an hour from the East Bay Area (via Amtrak) and she’d like everyone to be aware of this great firm.

McDonough Holland & Allen PC (McDonough) is one of Sacramento’s premiere full-service law firms, focused on providing powerful legal solutions for businesses, individuals, government and health agencies. We are known for the quality, style and effectiveness of our 90-plus attorneys and their work product. While continually seeking exceptional candidates with a desire to work in an environment that prides itself on its services, work products and people, our Sacramento office currently has an opening for a Litigation Secretary.

Candidates should have at least 5 years experience as a litigation secretary, preferably in a large firm setting supporting multiple attorneys. Strong communication, organizational, grammar and proofing skills necessary to manage a busy construction litigation desk. Candidates should have experience in all phases of litigation from beginning phases of discovery through trial and appeals. Experience with construction contracts and mechanic’s liens helpful, but not required. Candidates should have strong technical skills including experience using Word, Outlook and Excel, and preferably experience using document management systems, styles, and document comparison programs. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

McDonough offers a rich benefits package including health, dental, vision, disability, long term care, life insurance and more all paid at 100 percent. McDonough also offers an unprecedented profit sharing program with 100 percent vested after two years of service, 22 paid time off days (PTO) in addition to 10-12 paid holidays per year, paid parking, and the potential for performance and sign-on bonuses. McDonough is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active Nondiscrimination Program. All recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers, and promotions will be on the basis of qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, medical condition, or disability (including AIDS). Visit us at www.mhalaw.com for more information about our firm and its rich benefits.

Winding Down: Office Closings, COBRA, etc.

It has been rather difficult to get hands on basic information at Thelen and this is something that Hellerites over at Heller Highwater know all too well.  I’ve done some sleuthing and here is what I can report (and if you have any further information please email me at thelenthepain@gmail.com or place the info in the comments).

• The last day of regular firmwide business at Thelen LLP will be Wednesday, November 26th.
• The San Jose office will close this Friday, November 21st.
• As has been stated via email, the Dissolution Committee has opted not to pay accrued vacation and claims that the banks have 100% control and must approve every check written.
• The status of medical, dental and vision benefits is uncertain at this time: “Our medical and vision plans are group insurance policies, and our dental coverage is a self funded plan. Therefore, COBRA medical, dental, and vision will be available provided that our bank authorizes the premium payments and claims funding necessary to maintain each of these plans in December. As previously communicated to employees, the bank’s latest indication to firm management is that it would authorize such payments.”

Litigation Secretary Positions

Denise Bottarini over at Landmark Legal has dropped us a quick note and wants to remind those looking for litigation secretary positions that they have several listings. If you have 3+ years of litigation secretarial experience that includes knowledge of court procedure, local rules, efiling and excellent document processing skills, please contact Denise today.

Landmark Legal Professionals is working with “best of the best” Bay Area law firms in their searches for litigation legal secretaries. Let Landmark be your guide on your path to a new “home”.
Landmark Legal Professionals was voted as the Bay Area’s #2 legal staffing service for 2007 by the subscribers to The Recorder. For more information about who we are and how we can be of assistance to you in your career search, please see: www.landmarklaw.com

Denise Bottarini
Managing Director, San Francisco
dbottarini@landmarklaw.com
415-621-5400

Job Posting: Various Positions – San Francisco

I’ve received a note from Human Resources at Kirkland & Ellis in San Francisco about several staff positions available.  If you wish to review all the positions available at Kirkland & Ellis, please click here.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP, founded almost 100 years ago, is a preeminent, full-service law firm with over 1,400 attorneys worldwide. Our San Francisco office, which opened in 2003, and our Palo Alto office, which opened in 2008, continues to experience rapid growth. Located in the heart of the financial district and Silicon Valley, we have created a professional office environment, where professionals thrive. We are seeking career oriented individuals to join our support team.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP offers a competitive base salary, bonus potential and benefits for its full-time employees. If you are a dedicated, hardworking, results-oriented individual, we invite you to submit your resume and cover letter (including salary expectations) to https://www.kirkland.com at our Staff Careers Page. Locals only. Principals only. Skills assessment test will be administered. Background checks will be conducted. Local Candidates only. EOE.

Corporate Legal Secretary (M&A)

Qualifications & Requirements

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of recent and direct corporate legal secretarial experience (preferably in a large law firm), excellent communication and organizational skills, customer service orientation, a proactive work ethic, attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure and flexibility for overtime. Strong day-to-day organizational skills are essential, particularly with respect to file maintenance. Must have advanced proficiency working in MS Word 2000 and be proficient in formatting documents utilizing styles. A minimum typing speed of 55+ wpm is required. PowerPoint and Excel experience are also strongly preferred.

Essential Job Functions

Under general supervision, the Corporate Legal Secretary will provide support to attorneys in the areas of financing and secured transactions, leasing, structured financial workouts and reorganizations and general corporate practice. Duties include, but are not limited to, typing and formatting corporate legal documents, registration statements, SEC filings and other transactional filings with governing entities. Administrative duties include Dictaphone transcription, entering attorney time, making travel arrangements, interfacing with clients, calendar maintenance, filing and general secretarial duties as assigned. 

 

Calendar Court Services Coordinator

Qualifications & Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience: Required to have at least 4-7 years experience in the legal field.

Essential Job Functions

The Court Services Coordinator will work with the Records and CCS Manager and the Loss Prevention team in providing court services and support for the San Francisco and Palo Alto office. This position works closely with Court Services personnel in other domestic K&E offices as part of a team who assist and instruct attorneys, legal assistants and staff regarding court filing requirements, court rules, and processes and requirements of the judiciary. This position requires exceptional customer service skills. The CCSC will implement and oversee office-wide court filing and calendaring procedures. This position will work with management and the firmwide Court Services team in formulating and implementing policies, procedures and practices to fulfill court filing and calendaring functions that support the Firm’s Loss Prevention initiatives and policies.

Job Posting: Litigation Paralegal – Palo Alto

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett’s Palo Alto office has an opening for a mid-level litigation paralegal. Needs to have 4-6 years of experience with taking the lead on cases and experience with court filings.

Please contact:

Laura Knight
Office Manager
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
2550 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304

Tel: (650) 251-5174
Cell: (415) 509-6001
Fax: (650) 251-5002
lknight@stblaw.com

Getting Call Backs From Potential Employers

Over at Shifting Careers, which is the New York Times’ new work and career blog for the 21st century, author Michael Melcher has some great tips on how to ensure you’ll get call backs when in the middle of a job search.

Click here to read “They Never Write, They Never Call,” and learn more about various methods to use when conducting a job search.  One interesting concept, which I’ve whole-heartedly embraced is this:

“Make connections for other people. Whatever barriers you are facing in the employment markets, you are probably in a position to others in their job searches, whether through advice, referrals or just being a friend. Helping others make progress is a good way to remind yourself that you do have an impact on the world.”

I can say that on any given day, as I work with recruiters and my networking contacts in order to post available positions on Thelen The Pain and on Heller Highwater, there is no better high than seeing a colleague snag a new position based on a lead I sent their way.  It’s what I call “career karma” and not only does it keep me busy and networking while I am out of work, I know it will reap big rewards down the road.