Careers
People Are Our Cornerstone
Whether you are a practicing attorney or other legal professional with years of experience, a law student looking for the right place to start your legal career, or an administrative professional who wants to work in a respectful and collegial workplace, we welcome the opportunity to tell you more about the opportunities at May Potenza Baran & Gillespie.
Please see below for the current opportunities at our established law firm located in downtown Phoenix.
Open Positions
Paralegal, Estate Planning, Estate/Trust Administration and Corporate
May, Potenza, Baran & Gillespie, P.C., an established mid-size law firm located in central Phoenix is looking to add a highly skilled, proficient and self-motivated Paralegal with dual capabilities to support our Estate Planning, Estate/Trust Administration and Corporate/Business Planning group. We work hard. We work collaboratively. We encourage teamwork, a can-do attitude and problem-solving. You must have a strong work ethic. You must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be technically savvy, work independently, as well as, be able to work as part of a team. The successful candidate will be a team-player, have ability to provide exceptional internal and external client service and have a high level of attention to detail.
In exchange for helping us deliver excellent legal service to our clients and contributing to our collegial work environment, we will offer you competitive compensation and excellent benefits.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Transactions Paralegal must have experience in estate planning, estate and trust administration and corporate/business transactions. The successful candidate will possess strong organizational skills, excellent client service skills, and the ability to communicate with courts, attorneys, financial professionals, and tax authorities.
ESTATE PLANNING AND ESTATE/TRUST ADMINISTRATION RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Communicate with clients, banks and advisors
- Docket attorney calendars and manage deadlines
- Review and draft legal documents
- Interact with trustees, personal representatives and estate/trust beneficiaries
- Manage the funding of trusts
- Implement plans of distributions after death
- Prepare gift and estate tax returns and file with appropriate taxing authorities
- Administer probate-related matters, including but not limited to preparation of pleadings for informal probates, formal probates, guardianships, and conservatorships
- Collaborate with attorneys to prepare accountings and plans of division
- Administer trust-related matters, including but not limited to the preparation of reformations, settlement agreements, etc., both judicial and non-judicial
CORPORATE/BUSINESS RESPONSIBlLITIES::
- Assist in preparation of complex business-related legal documents
- Formation of entities and assist to help make them operational
- Maintenance of business entities, including updates to organizational documents and buy-sell agreements
- Coordinate related documents such as employment agreements, non-competes and confidentiality agreements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate degree in paralegal or legal studies or Paralegal Certificate
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred
- Minimum of five (5) years of paralegal experience
- Estate/trust administration experience
- Or, any equivalent combination of education and/or experience
SPECIALiZED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Assist in preparation of complex business-related legal documents
- State court experience with in-depth knowledge of Arizona probate court rules and procedures, and the skills to find and understand those in other jurisdictions
- Research, analytical, and organizational skills required.
- Requires critical thinking skills, superior communication skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel and Outlook and knowledge and application of legal research tools (Westlaw).
- Able to work collaboratively in a team environment.
The demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
May, Potenza, Baran & Gillespie, P.C. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Executive Director
May, Potenza, Baran & Gillespie, P.C.,an established mid-size law firm located near Central and McDowell in Phoenix is looking to add a highly skilled Executive Director.
In exchange for helping us deliver excellent legal service to our clients and contributing to our collegial work environment, we will offer you competitive compensation and excellent benefits.
Job Summary
With a deep understanding of the legal industry and guided by long term objectives as set forth by the Managing Partner, the Executive Director oversees diverse administrative operations to support shareholder efforts in the successful growth and evolution of the Firm. This includes oversight and execution of marketing and communications, human resources, accounting and finance, facilities management, and information technology solutions.
Essential Functions
Note: The essential duties and primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. The incumbent may perform all or most of the primary accountabilities listed below. Specific tasks, responsibilities, or competencies may be documented in the incumbent’s performance objectives as outlined by leadership.
- Coordinates with attorneys and staff to develop, maintain, and allocate resources to ensure timely and effective clerical and administrative support. This includes hiring, training, evaluating staff, and managing the non-legal clerical and administrative staff.
- Oversees the day-to-day operations of the office, ensuring a well-organized and professional environment. This includes providing the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure the Firm has the proper operational controls, procedures, and policies in place to effectively operate and evolve while maintaining financial strength and operating efficiency.
- Identifies opportunities to improve operational effectiveness with information technology. In coordination with and conferring with IT personnel, acts as a primary point of contact for technology solutions, including oversight of the facilitation and implementation of software or programming.
- Participates in setting the Firm’s strategic direction including developing plans and implementing critical policies, systems, and procedures that further the Firm’s ability to achieve operational targets. Advises the Managing Partner, Board, and Shareholders regarding progress and takes action to redirect efforts when necessary.
- Facilitates and administers the human resources functions to support the Firm’s ability to effectively attract, retain, motivate, and serve both attorneys and support staff. This includes responsibility for ensuring compliance with policies and applicable laws and administering programs including but not limited to benefits, compensation, engagement, performance management, recruitment, employee relations, and onboarding and off-boarding.
- In coordination with and drawing upon the technical expertise of the accounting leadership, monitors and disseminates the Firm’s financial activities in a timely and accurate manner, including reporting on internal and external monthly financial statements, annual audits, and budgets. Oversees and/or analyzes data to identify trends, identify issues, and set forth strategies that support the Firm’s long-term vision of integrity and operational excellence. Supports timekeepers’ compliance with annual performance metrics (billable hours) and compliance with billing practices and policies.
- As the primary point of contact for office and facilities, manages the maintenance, safety, and functionality of premises to ensure an efficient and secure working environment for offices, common areas, conference and meeting rooms, and file and storage areas. This includes overseeing maintenance, procurement, and installation of equipment and furniture, and mail functions.
- As the central point of contact for the Firm’s marketing, branding, and communications campaigns, manages, plans, and coordinates marketing activities from identification of pieces to publishing and social outreach. Ensures the Firm’s presence is promoted and visible via legal publications, ads, announcements, subscriptions, websites, E-Briefs, social media, etc.
- Oversees and coordinates effective support of the organization, storage, retrieval, and disposal of legal documents – both electronic and hard copy. Ensures documents are accessible in a timely manner when necessary. Supports leadership in the disposition and destruction of documents as appropriate. Ensures confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.
- May organize or support others in the organization of attorney, staff, and client appreciation events as well as other firm events (seminars, team building, meetings, etc.) Identifies and coordinates venues, handles logistics, coordinates catering, and orchestrates ancillary details as needed. This may include arranging gifts, recognition pieces, etc.
- As the central point of contact, coordinates the Firm’s requirements for products and services. This includes participating in the identification and selection of vendors, negotiating contracts, and maintaining ongoing relationships. Ensures the Firm’s needs are met in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.
Supervisory and Managerial Responsibility
- This role has direct oversight/supervisory authority for the Firm’s administrative office staff including accounting, IT, HR, clerical office support staff, legal assistants, and paralegals.
Required Knowledge, Skill, and Ability
Education, Licensure or Certification:
- Knowledge of business administration or management as normally obtained through a bachelor’s degree in management, business, economics, finance, or other closely related area.
Work Experience or Related Experience:
- A minimum of five years of directly related experience in a legal environment is required.
- Experience with responsibility for mentoring and developing administrative and para-professional employees is also required.
Specialized Knowledge, Skill & Ability:
- A thorough knowledge and understanding of the legal industry, market, competitors, and discipline is required to orchestrate administrative support and set forth the strategic direction as described.
- The ability to effectively introduce and manage change and the ability to develop tactical plans to implement strategic initiatives is required.
- Strong leadership skills are essential as is the ability to inspire others to accomplish goals through others. A collaborative approach and reinforcement of cross-functional leadership efforts is essential.
- The ability to effectively use technology to produce work and manage projects as described is necessary. This includes competency with Microsoft Office Suite, CenterBase and NetDocuments software. A demonstrated ability to resolve process/systems issues from identification and analysis to execution of resolution. Experience implementing and institutionalizing operational initiatives in the spirit of the Firm’s commitment to continuous improvement is required.
- Strong organizational, prioritization, time management skills, and the ability to execute work through others are essential. This includes the ability to plan work activities and develop realistic action plans.
- The ability to be objective and maintain the confidentiality of firm matters and employee matters is required.
- The ability to delegate and work effectively with and through others and deliver results while creating a highly supportive environment. This includes sharing information, collaborating to reach organizational goals, respecting individual differences and viewpoints, and treating others with dignity and respect.
- Strong analytical ability with the ability to synthesize complex information is essential.
- Incumbents must have the ability to navigate internal and external political arenas as well as influence, persuade, and negotiate with others while professionally representing the Firm.
- The incumbent should have experience evaluating allegations regarding workplace conduct, making recommendations when controversy arises, and enforcing policies and procedures to align with the Firm’s vision and values.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to relay clear and persuasive thoughts as appropriate. The ability to conduct effective presentations and productive meetings involving various internal and external stakeholders is required.
Travel Requirements and Conditions
- Occasional local travel is required to meet with vendors or organize local events on behalf of the Firm.
Work Environment, Conditions and Demands
- The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate.
- Work is generally performed in an office environment where employees routinely use standard office equipment including MS Office applications, document management software and billing software.
- This is not a remote work position.
Physical Requirements and Demands
Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions as described.
- While performing duties of the job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers, talk, and hear.
- The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
IT Specialist
May, Potenza, Baran & Gillespie, P.C.,an established mid-size law firm located near Central and McDowell in Phoenix is looking to add a highly skilled, proficient and self-motivated IT Specialist. We work collaboratively and encourage teamwork in an esprit de corps environment. You must have a strong work ethic. You must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, be technically savvy, work independently, as well as work as part of a team. The successful candidate is a team player, can provide exceptional internal and external client service, and have a high level of attention to detail.
In exchange for helping us deliver excellent legal service to our clients and contributing to our collegial work environment, we will offer you competitive compensation and excellent benefits.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Information Technology Specialist will provide core support of computer networks and systems to ensure uninterrupted day-to-day operations. The IT Specialist will serve multiple functions within the Firm, from helpdesk support responsibilities, installation of equipment, phones, copiers, and other electronic devices to liaison with outsourced Managed Service Provider (MSP) regarding network, hardware, and software support.
Essential Functions:
- Provide day-to-day level one and level two help desk support for hardware and software issues
- Troubleshoot software and hardware problems, work with MSP for planned and unplanned outages and upgrades.
- Educate end users in the Firm about how to use various types of software programs including, but not limited to NetDocuments, Microsoft 365 Suite, Litera, Adobe Acrobat DC efficiently and effectively in support of business objectives.
- Manage computer software and hardware updates and patches, and imaging computers as necessary.
- Review and document issues to identify where one-on-one, classroom style training is needed.
- Ability to take initiative without requiring direct guidance.
- Provide application support of attorneys and support staff in connection with their needs.
- Setup and maintain all technology equipment including VOIP, mobile devices, computers, printers, MFD devices.
- Assist with the onboarding and offboarding of new and departed users.
- Work with and maintain relationships with vendors for updates and resolutions.
- Ability to work and or be on call, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Keeps current on latest legal technology trends and evaluates current infrastructure to make recommendations for improvements.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Five (5)+ years helpdesk/IT support experience.
- Experience working in law firm preferred.
- Experience with Microsoft Office applications including intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory, Microsoft 365 Applications, Microsoft Azure, Document Management systems including NetDocuments.
- Basic understanding of eDiscovery and eDiscovery applications.
- Knowledge and experience with Zoom One including Zoom VOIP phones, Zoom Rooms, H323 video calling, and Microsoft Teams.
- WordPress knowledge beneficial.
- Or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience
Interested candidates should send their resume to hr@maypotenza.com
May, Potenza, Baran & Gillespie, P.C. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training
Summer Associate Program
MPBG started its Summer Associate Program in 2008, and typically selects 1-2 rising 2Ls each year. We treat our Summer Associates like real lawyers. No “pretend” assignments, or meaningless shadowing of depositions, hearings, or meetings. We provide real opportunities to engage in high-stakes motion practice, fact-intensive discovery, collaborative strategy sessions, deal negotiations and closings, and face-to-face client interaction. Each Summer Associate will work with every attorney in our firm, and thus be exposed to myriad practice areas, practice styles, and legal issues.
Consistent with our commitment to each other, we’re committed to assisting law students become great lawyers and contributing members of our legal community, regardless of whether they ultimately join MPBG. To that end, the Program has significantly contributed to MPBG’s success and growth. Currently, 10 of MPBG’s 27 lawyers participated in the Program. Other Program graduates have left private practice to provide in-house legal advice to and/or operate local and multinational companies. Importantly, they remain friends and, in some instances, have become MPBG’s clients.
To learn more about our Summer Associate Program and the opportunities at MPBG for law students, please reach out to hr@maypotenza.com.