Legal Receptionist

At Sweeney Merrigan, one of Boston’s leading personal injury law firms, we pride ourselves on a low-ego, team-oriented workplace where everyone supports each other and works together toward excellence. We’re excited to meet passionate professionals who are humble, hungry, and people-smart, and who are committed to delivering outstanding results for our clients.

SML is growing, and we’re on the hunt for a versatile, high-energy Legal Receptionist to serve as the face and front line of our firm. This is not a passive front-desk role — it is an action-oriented position for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys staying busy, and takes pride in jumping in to solve problems and keep things moving.

Your responsibilities will include answering phone calls, handling administrative tasks such as sorting mail and ordering supplies, scheduling appointments, managing inbound and outbound communications, and assisting with client materials including documents and medical imagery. In our office, unexpected tasks and “random” needs pop up throughout the day; we’re looking for someone who eagerly steps up, takes ownership, and executes with excellence. If you are naturally good at troubleshooting computers, software, or other common office tech issues, we want to hear about it.

To ensure success as a Legal Receptionist, you should exhibit excellent communication skills, strong initiative, and confidence in managing a dynamic front desk. Outstanding candidates are polished professionals who create an exceptional first impression while keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes. We are seeking someone who is humble, hungry to succeed, and highly people-savvy — someone naturally extroverted, energetic, and comfortable making instant connections. You should be friendly and outgoing, yet assertive and aware of when a call needs to be forwarded or a conversation respectfully concluded. This role is ideal for someone who sees it as a stepping-stone: an opportunity to demonstrate drive, reliability, and leadership potential by consistently stepping up, taking initiative, and exceeding expectations.

If you are someone who thrives on action, enjoys being the hub of activity, eagerly tackles whatever comes your way, and wants to prove you’re ready for the next step in your professional growth, we want to hear from you!

Job Title
Legal Receptionist

Department
Administrative / Operations

Reports To (Title)
Office Manager

Position Summary

Provide courteous, high-energy, and professional front-desk support to clients, attorneys, and staff. Manage incoming calls, schedule appointments, and perform general administrative tasks that contribute to an efficient and welcoming office environment. This is an action-driven role designed for someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting, takes initiative without being asked, and views the position as an opportunity to grow within a high-performing law firm.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Answer, screen, and forward phone calls in a professional, organized, and confident manner.
  • Greet clients and visitors warmly and energetically, creating a positive and memorable first impression.
  • Sort, prioritize, and manage incoming and outgoing mail with efficiency and attention to detail.
  • Order, restock, and track office supplies inventory proactively to ensure uninterrupted operations.
  • Assist with copying, scanning, faxing, emailing, and uploading client documents and medical imagery accurately and promptly.
  • Organize and maintain the appearance of the reception area and common office spaces to reflect the firm’s professionalism.
  • Schedule and confirm client appointments and manage calendar entries with precision.
  • Coordinate minor maintenance and repair of office equipment and proactively address issues before they escalate.
  • Take ownership of unexpected or time-sensitive tasks that arise throughout the day, approaching them with urgency, positivity, and follow-through.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience:
• Minimum high school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Prior experience as a receptionist, administrative assistant, or in a legal support role is preferred.

Skills & Competencies:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly extroverted, personable, and confident interacting with clients and colleagues throughout the day.
• Action-oriented mindset with a strong sense of urgency and follow-through.
• Comfortable managing continuous phone calls and front-desk responsibilities while maintaining enthusiasm and professionalism.
• Proficiency with standard office technology (computers, printers, copiers, scanners, multifunction machines).
• Ability to troubleshoot basic software and office technology issues independently.
• Demonstrated initiative and eagerness to take on new responsibilities as a pathway for professional growth.

Preferred Qualifications (optional)

• Familiarity with legal terminology, procedures, and filing systems.
  • Prior experience in a law firm or legal office environment.
  • Professional working proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• On-site full-time position in a busy, high-energy office setting.
  • May require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and light physical activity (e.g., moving office supplies).

Compensation and Benefits

Annual salary range: $40,000 – $48,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Full health benefits and 401(k) matching offered in accordance with company policy.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Sweeney Merrigan Law is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, including but not limited to those based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to serve our clients and strengthens our firm culture.

For California applicants, please find our CCPA information here.