Interested and qualified yet don’t see a current opportunity?
We’re intrigued.

Send a resume to:
Erin Warr
925 Clinton Sq.
Rochester, NY 14604
ernstromdreste.com

Position Summary:

Ernstrom & Dreste, LLP is a boutique law firm focused on construction/surety litigation and counseling, commercial litigation, and general corporate counseling and is seeking a full-time, in-office, detail-oriented, and professional Legal Administrative Assistant. The ideal candidate will provide on-site critical administrative and legal support to attorneys, ensuring smooth daily operations and high-quality service to clients. This position requires strong organizational skills, initiative, and a working knowledge of legal procedures, particularly in civil litigation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support to attorneys, including managing calendars, scheduling meetings and depositions, and coordinating court appearances.
• Draft, format, proofread, and finalize legal documents including pleadings, correspondence, contracts, and surety-related filings.
• File documents electronically with state and federal courts (including PACER, NYCEF, and other local e-filing systems).
• Maintain and organize physical and electronic case files in accordance with office procedures.
• Track deadlines and court dates using calendaring systems.
• Communicate professionally with clients, courts, opposing counsel, experts, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with time entry, billing, and expense tracking where needed.
• Support litigation preparation, including organizing exhibits, binders, and case materials.
• Conduct limited legal research and assist with discovery and document management.
• Ensure compliance with legal procedures, confidentiality requirements, and internal office standards.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience as a legal assistant or legal secretary.
• Strong working knowledge of civil litigation procedures and court filing rules.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat) and legal practice management software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Professional demeanor, discretion, and reliability with strong ability to work in a small team setting.
• Licensed Notary Public preferred.

Salary and Benefits

• The annual salary range for this position is $50,000-$62,500 which represents our good faith and reasonable estimate of the potential compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, such as the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and skill set.
• Merit-based and holiday bonus opportunities.
• Employer-paid health, dental, disability, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing.

Contact Erin Warr with questions or for submission of application materials at ewarr@ed-llp.com

Ernstrom & Dreste, LLP is seeking an Associate Attorney with 2-5 years of experience for its office in Rochester, New York.

Firm and Position Information

Ernstrom & Dreste, LLP is a boutique law firm focused on construction and surety litigation and counseling, commercial litigation, and general corporate counseling.  The firm celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022 and continues a robust, sophisticated practice in a small firm, collaborative work environment. Our work involves matters across the entirety of New York State and occasionally in adjacent or international jurisdictions.

This position offers potential for advancement in the firm with a partnership track for the right candidate.  Currently practicing attorneys with an interest in construction, surety, and commercial litigation are preferred for this position, but recent graduates who are a good fit may also be considered.

Skills

Applicants should have excellent skills in legal writing, research, analysis, problem-solving, communication, and case management.  The following experience is preferred: (1) appearing and arguing in state and/or federal court; (2) writing pleadings, motions, briefs, and discovery demands; (3) negotiating settlements in informal and alternative dispute resolution settings; (4) conducting/defending depositions and/or witness examinations; and (5) interfacing with clients.

Salary and Benefits

• The annual salary range for this position is $75,000.00-$115,000.00, which represents our good faith and reasonable estimate of the potential compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, such as the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and skill set.
• Merit-based and holiday bonus opportunities.
• Employer-paid health, dental, disability, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing.

Applicant Requirements

The following is required of all applicants:

• Member in good standing with (or current candidate for admission to) the New York Bar or jurisdiction in which admission to the New York Bar may be made on motion (reciprocity);
• Juris Doctor degree, or international equivalent, from an accredited law school;
• Proficiency with WestLaw or Lexis, MS Office, and Adobe Acrobat;
• Willingness to work primarily in an office setting, with opportunities for periodic remote work;
• Fluency in English; and
• Authorization to work in the United States and the State of New York.

Ernstrom & Dreste, LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with the ADA and consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants/employees to perform essential functions. We will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S.