Receptionist

The New York office is a prominent strategic location where many high-profile events are hosted. The Receptionist will need to be highly visible and fully engaged in all daily operations.
The Receptionist is responsible for professionally projecting the Firm’s image through exceptional communication, actions, and appearance. This role requires a high level of discretion and professionalism. As the first point of contact, both in person and on the phone, the Receptionist will provide high-quality and efficient service to attorneys and their clients, ensuring the business needs of the Firm are met. Key responsibilities include telephone and front desk reception, message center management and heavy conference room scheduling for the New York office.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Meet & Greet:

• Opens the reception floor and conference rooms promptly at established timeframe and is readily available to meet all business needs.
• Greets all clients and visitors in a professional manner and notifies Dechert contact of their arrival, escorting visitors to conference rooms as needed. 
• Offers clients access to restrooms, the coat closet, and beverages to ensure they feel welcome and comfortable.
• Ensures all visitors are entered into the building security system in accordance with Dechert procedures.
• Provides any and all information and/or assistance to clients, visiting attorneys, and vendors.
• Supports Marketing and other Departments and Practice Groups for special events and helps them manage large groups - sign in sheets, coat check, etc.

Telephone & Voice Mail Systems:

• Administers and accurately answers or directs all incoming calls and forwards as needed.
• Uses voicemail in accordance with firm procedures and Reception Team protocols, emailing telephone messages timely to the attorneys and coping secretaries.
• Answers inquiries and sends calls to the appropriate party. 
• Places long distance, local, and conference calls as needed by attorneys and visitors in accordance with Firm procedures.

Conference Room Support:

• Processes requests for conference rooms and breakout rooms using Condeco.
• Searches for available conference rooms as needed and seeks out assistance from Supervisor to resolve conflicts.
• Assigns visiting attorney offices within office protocols
• Assists secretaries with Condeco requests and ensures that meetings are in appropriate conference rooms.
• Confirm conference room reservations in Condeco and email daily confirmations to lawyers and secretaries.
• Notifies Catering and AV services in a timely manner regarding changes and conflicts in schedule.

Administrative Duties:

• Recognizes business needs as a priority, identifies and escalates issues if not able to resolve on own.
• Coordinates with coworkers to manage lunch breaks, coverage, and vacation requests, always ensuring proper coverage.
• Performs other duties as assigned for the efficient function of the department, office and Firm.

QUALIFICATIONS / KSAs:

• College education strongly preferred.
• Law firm or professional services reception experience strongly preferred.
• Must possess the ability to remain pleasant and accommodating under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills, pleasant telephone manner, and polished professional appearance required.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills required.
• Willing and able to work overtime when required.
• Knowledge of systems and tools that are required to ensure Attorney meetings run smoothly, such as: Condeco; eTenants; Cisco; Dechert Online Directory.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and manage competing priorities, ensuring efficient use of time to meet multiple objectives simultaneously.
• Vision: ability to see well enough to read materials and computer screen 80% of the time with or without an accommodation. 
• Hearing: ability to hear well enough to talk on the phone at least 80% of the time with or without an accommodation.
• Posture: ability to sit for approximately at least 60% of the time and to stoop up and down 25% of the time with or without an accommodation.

Additional Job Description

At the time of this posting, the salary range for this position in New York is $58,000.00 to $68,000.00 annually. Actual compensation is commensurate with job related knowledge, skills, experience and location of the position. 

Location(s)

New York

Time Type

Full time

Dechert LLP is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination.  The Firm prohibits unlawful discrimination in any term or condition of employment against any employee or applicant for employment because of the individual’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, membership or service in the armed forces, or any other characteristic protected by law.