Position summary
The Document Automation Coordinator supports the development and maintenance of document automation solutions that enhance legal workflows and improve efficiency across the firm. This role applies document automation tools, scripting, and related technologies to build, modify, and maintain templates and automated solutions, including supporting system integrations and ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment with firm standards.
The Coordinator collaborates with the Practice Innovation team, attorneys, and other stakeholders to gather and document requirements and contribute to solution development and ongoing system enhancements. The role also includes troubleshooting automation tools, supporting system integrations, and contributing to process improvements and the effective use of document automation and related technologies across the firm.
This is a temporary, part-time position expected to work approximately 20 hours per week for an initial 6-month assignment, with review after 2 months.
Job duties and responsibilities
- With direction from the Document Automation Manager, consult with partners, attorneys and others to gather, analyze, and document the functional, logical and legal specifications of documents and/or document package templates, including user experience considerations for questionnaires and workflows.
- Use the scripting language and tools of the relevant product to develop and implement templates based on defined specifications, including building new templates or modifying existing templates and developing prototypes for user acceptance testing, applying logic and judgment to support solution design.
- Learn and maintain a working knowledge of the software systems and languages necessary to carry out the job functions.
- Enhance and maintain the webhooks or APIs in place to automatically pull data from existing Reed Smith systems into the document automation platform.
- Serve as an escalation point, as appropriate, to support troubleshooting document analysis and assembly systems, including debugging templates and automation workflows and resolving issues related to system functionality, logic, variables, and output, including issues that require analysis and independent problem-solving.
- Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of internal best practices, including, but not limited to, system design, process and quality assurance.
- Leverage generative AI and emerging technologies, where appropriate, to support document automation, template development, and workflow enhancement.
- Assist with creating system documentation and training materials, including the provision of basic and advanced training to staff and attorneys.
- Support efforts to promote and increase awareness of document automation and analysis to those outside the Practice Innovation team, where appropriate.
- Maintain awareness of developments in the document analysis and automation field and share relevant insights with the team to support evaluation of potential future initiative, including those present to Innovation leadership.
- Maintain working relationships with system vendors to support collaboration and alignment with firm needs.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time.
Requirements
Education
Required: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Legal Studies, or a related field.
Preferred: Paralegal certification or degree in Paralegal Studies or J.D.
Experience
- Minimum of 4 years of experience supporting legal workflows, document automation, or related systems in a law firm, legal department, or similar environment.
- Prior practice experience as a transactional attorney or paralegal preferred.
- Hands-on experience with document automation platforms and related technologies, particularly those that rely on dynamic questionnaires, conditional logic, and data-driven workflows (e.g., Avvoka, Gavel, HotDocs) and/or familiarity with transactional document deconstruction and analysis tools.
- Experience working with systems, software, process or programming environments.
- Experience interviewing attorneys to understand legal and business processes, workflow, and logic required to build documents and document packages.
Skills
- Computer proficiency with advanced skills in MS Office Suite, including the development and use of macros (required).
- Understanding of legal concepts and legal workflow as it relates to transactional work.
- Demonstrated skill in gathering and documenting business and technical requirements with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills, with a pragmatic and creative approach to complex issues.
- High level of precision and consistency in executing assigned work and deliverables, with sound judgment and initiative.
- Organizational and prioritization skills to manage multiple projects concurrently and adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines.
- Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Collaboration skills to work effectively both independently and within a team-oriented remote or hybrid environment.
- Adaptability and willingness to learn unfamiliar subject matter.
Additional information
Supervisory responsibilities
None
Equipment used
Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, copier, scanner, etc.
Essential job functions
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use.
- Ability to use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities.
- Ability to engage in effective and professional communication.
- Ability to analyze information, maintain attention to detail, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to access, use, and safeguard confidential and sensitive information while performing job responsibilities in work environments that support confidentiality, privacy, and information security requirements.
- Ability to work extended hours as required to meet project, client, or business needs.
Working conditions
Works remotely. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. Potential for in-office work requests as needed, so proximity to the office is important.
Pay ranges
This is a non-exempt temporary position. The hourly wage range for this role is presently anticipated to be between $41.83 and $59.34 per hour. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.
- Austin & Houston: $41.83 - $48.08 per hour (40 hour work week)
- Chicago: $51.65 - $59.34 per hour (35 hour work week)
Employee benefits overview
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Medical Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Virtual Health Services
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Accident Insurance
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability Coverage
- Long-Term Disability Coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
- Transportation Benefit
- Back-up Child Care Services
- College Coach Program
- Pet Insurance
- Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
- Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)
Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401(k) plan.
Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.
Qualified candidates only. No search firms.