Position Summary: Senior Legal Secretary/Legal Assistant - Litigation
Essential Responsibilities:
Draft, edit, and format a wide range of documents, including pleadings, correspondence, memoranda, budgets, and PowerPoint presentations.
Review and revise legal documents for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting accuracy.
File legal documents in state and federal courts in compliance with court rules; experience with California court systems is essential.
Prepare and generate tables of authorities and contents using firm-approved tools (e.g., CCC Macros).
Coordinate and arrange for the proper service of pleadings, subpoenas, and related legal documents.
Assist attorneys with preparation and scheduling of meetings, depositions, conferences, teleconferences, and travel arrangements.
Create, organize, and maintain binders, files, and electronic folders for case materials and related documentation.
Receive and route incoming correspondence, managing physical and digital filing in accordance with firm practices.
Support project tracking and monitor progress on various legal and administrative initiatives.
Maintain shared and individual attorney calendars using Microsoft Outlook; work in coordination with Docketing department to ensure accuracy.
Demonstrate knowledge of legal calendaring protocols and requirements, including deadlines and hearing dates.
Accurately enter attorneys' billable time and coordinate with billing teams to ensure timely review and submission of monthly statements.
Process check requests and coordinate payments to vendors or third parties as needed.
Prepare and reconcile attorney expense reports in line with firm policies.
Provide secretarial and administrative backup to litigation attorneys during absences or periods of high workload.
Assist attorneys with business development efforts, including scheduling, client contact management, and marketing material coordination.
Maintain composure, professionalism, and productivity in high-pressure and deadline-driven environments.
Deliver exceptional customer service to clients, attorneys, staff, and vendors.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with client contacts, including potential on-site support as needed.
Collaborate effectively with all levels of firm personnel, demonstrating a cooperative and team-oriented attitude.
Work flexible hours and overtime as necessary to fulfill job duties and support attorneys' needs.
Required Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent required; paralegal certificate or bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
A minimum of 10 years of experience as a legal secretary or legal assistant.
Extensive litigation experience in California state and federal courts; appellate court experience is a plus.
Expert knowledge of legal procedures, court filing systems (electronic and paper), and calendaring rules.
Exceptional organizational, multitasking, and time-management skills.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in document preparation and proofreading.
High level of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information.
Proven ability to manage a heavy workload and prioritize tasks under tight deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel) and familiarity with legal billing and document management software.
Demonstrated ability to work independently while also contributing as a reliable team member.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. For unincorporated Los Angeles county , to the extent our customers require a background check for certain positions, the Company faces a significant risk to its business operations and business reputation unless a review of criminal history is conducted for those specific job positions.