Proofreader

Role summary/purpose of job

The Document Specialists (“DS”) team is responsible for producing high quality legal and marketing documentation to all staff in the firm (including fee earners), globally.

As a proofreader, you will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of department work product, including revisions, original input, conversions, and tables of authorities. The proofreader also checks grammar, punctuation, syntax, spelling, punctuation, style, formatting, and drafting consistency in assigned documents and recommends changes to ensure clarity and conformity with Freshfields house style.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

• Accurately reviewing complex legal documents and producing the related digital files, within the required timescales, seeking clarification when necessary.
• Completing sense, grammar and consistency read-throughs of standard legal documents and marketing materials including full read-throughs and skim reads.
• Ensuring that drafting and formatting are consistent, and work together logically and accurately to display document content as comprehensibly as possible.
• Identifying formatting inconsistencies which impact content clarity (involving paragraph distribution, indent, alignment, spacing, character level formatting and pagination), suggesting alternatives for improved readability and noting any queries for lawyers (or other author).
• Applying sophisticated understanding of outlining (including both numbered and non-numbered headings, and continuation paragraphs), to ensure logical allocation of content across outline levels, and throughout document, and suggesting alternatives for improvement.
• Proofreading documents for adherence to Freshfields house style and applicable templates.
• Suggesting alternatives to incorrect grammar, punctuation and awkward syntax , and marking corrections on proofs using standard proofreader marks and symbols by writing and/or inserting text callouts using the Acrobat/Word commenting tool.
• Proofreading tables of authorities for accuracy and format.
• Rechecking corrected documents against mark-up for accurate integration of changes and quality assurance.
• Completing cross-reference checks and defined terms checks in complex legal agreements such as Merger Agreements, Credit Agreements, Stock Purchase Agreements, etc.
• Creating, formatting, and updating a wide range of complex documents, reports, spreadsheets, and presentations, adhering to firm house style, applicable templates and branding standards, and utilizing the appropriate tools to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
• Converting documents across various applications into house style, using firm templates, add-ins, styles and schemes and verifying accuracy of language and formatting.
• Troubleshooting textual, graphic, and printing issues across various applications packages.
• Handling sensitive and/or confidential documents and information in accordance with Freshfields policies.
• Adhering to firm best practices as related to all submissions.
• Ensuring own technical skills are maintained and updated, including developing extensive knowledge of the firm’s global document templates.
• Supporting cross function working with other functions such as Client Delivery Group, Marketing and Business Development.
• Supporting team strategy and delivery targets.
• Supporting workflow processes including logging work submissions and negotiating deadlines as required. Working collaboratively with workflow coordinators across various locations, as well as with lawyers and business services professionals.
• Ensuring the firm’s risk procedures are adhered to at all times.

Key requirements

• Degree in relevant subjects such as English language, English literature, creative writing and similar.
• A minimum of three (3) years proofreading experience at a law firm, financial center, or professional services organization.
• Previous corporate paralegal experience in a large law firm would be an advantage but is not essential.
• Paralegal Certificate, or law degree a plus.
• Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills with a sound knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Excellent attention to detail with emphasis on speed, accuracy and quality.
• Able to concentrate on material that may be lengthy, dense, or technical.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with Blue Book, MLA, Chicago and other standard citation styles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Adobe, Kofax).
• Experience using Legal Tech such as Litera Desktop.
• An understanding of project terminology and approaches.
• Experience using a legal document management system.
• Ability to work in accordance with established processes.
• Ability to complete work accurately to tight deadlines when required.
• Excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work overtime as required by business needs.

EEO Statement
Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment employer. Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.
Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Freshfields US LLP
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the alternative email address below to contact us about your interest in employment at [email protected] , or you can send your resume to [email protected] , or you can call us at +1-212-277-4000.