Litigation Secretary (5+ years)
Client Size: 1,000+
Client Description:
Our client is an AmLaw 200 firm with 19 locations and over 450 attorneys across the United States. firm’s national reputation spans the insurance industry, the financial services sector, professional services, and other highly regulated industries. They allocate resources to attorney education, growth and development, and foster an environment of collaboration and congeniality
Our client, a leading national law firm, is seeking a litigation secretary for the Los Angeles office to provide comprehensive legal and administrative support to a team of attorneys.
Position Summary:
The ideal candidate will have experience in civil defense/civil litigation, including trials, and will also have demonstrated excellence in dependability, pro-activity and the ability to work independently and within a team. Experience with/knowledge of insurance defense and toxic torts is a plus, but not a requirement.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Prepares, edits, files and may compose legal documents, including but not limited to, letters, memoranda, pleadings, motions, discovery, agreements, subpoenas and other legal documents as required by the practice area. Files documents with the courts, including e-filing.
- Updates and maintains databases that include e-mail lists, iCreate info and client matter lists.
- Reviews and processes all incoming mail. Opens new files, checks conflicts of interest, maintains client and general files. Conducts periodic review of files for possible closure/off-site storage.
- Greets clients and visitors. Interacts with clients, counsel, court personnel and others. Maintains professional appearance and demeanor. Maintains good public relations and customer service with clients. Maintains confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.
- Maintains calendar and deadline reminder systems. Records court dates, deposition dates, etc. Works with attorneys, secretaries and docketing personnel to ensure accuracy of calendar. Schedules appointments and makes business travel arrangements. Communicates with administrative support by apprising of deadlines, attorney travel plans, etc.
- Other related duties and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications and Prior Experience:
- High School diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum of five years of legal secretarial experience is required; civil defense preferred.
- Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize and manage numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
- Knowledge and application of State and Federal court rules (including e-filing) and local rules, where applicable, pertaining to litigation procedures, requirements and practices (including trial, mediation and arbitration).
- Knowledge of or ability to learn office procedures, rules and regulations. Demonstrated proficiency in computer programs and relevant software applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, iManage, Chrome River, InTapp and Adobe. Knowledge of CompuLaw and BigHand Now preferred.
- Ability to effectively and accurately communicate orally and in writing; correctly apply departmental rules, complex regulations and procedures; maintain a high degree of confidentiality and attention to detail; work well under pressure and time sensitive situations; proofread and perform editing of routine and complex documents; transcribe legal documents, correspondence and reports from written drafts or dictation at a level of 65 wpm; organize, solve problems and work well within a team environment; incur overtime in order to perform the essential duties of the position; may require irregular hours from time-to-time.
- Interpersonal and customer service skills necessary to professionally communicate with and effectively follow instructions from a diverse group of clients, external entities, attorneys, management and staff.
