Legal Secretary (Litigation)

We are an established real estate law firm with offices across California. Our Irvine office is looking for a Legal Secretary to join our fast-paced litigation team. If chosen as the successful candidate, you will be responsible for providing high-quality litigation secretarial support for the Business and Real Estate practice group (BREG), with efficient and timely production of all requested work product to ensure that clients are provided the highest level of service. 

 

About Us: 

 

With almost 50 years in the California legal industry and six offices statewide, our firm was founded on a commitment to customer service that has flourished within our culture of inclusion and diversity. We believe in working hard for our clients each day and in taking care of our employees so they are empowered to do their very best work. It is our mission to provide the highest quality, cost-effective legal services to our clients. 

 

Compensation: 

$35.00-$45.00/hour DOE

 

Responsibilities:  

• Provide comprehensive and high volume overall secretarial support to multiple attorneys and paralegals, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail in work product
• Prepare, format, proofread, and finalize litigation documents, including pleadings, motions, discovery, subpoenas, correspondence, trial documents, and court filings
• Handle assignments and deliver high-quality work with autonomy and minimal supervision, leveraging experience to operate independently
• Provide heavy trial preparation support, including organizing trial binders, exhibit lists, witness materials, deposition transcripts, motions in limine, jury instructions, and other trial-related documents
• Manage calendars, schedule appointments, and arrange meetings
• Serve, copy and file documents with the court
• Prepare retainer agreements and conflict waivers
• Prepare distribute, edit and finalize pre-bills and invoices, coordinating with the Accounting department
• Organize and maintain electronic files
• Manage the process of closing files, ensuring all necessary documentation is completed and filed appropriately
• Assist with the preparation of in-person meetings 
• Assist with the distribution of billable tasks to the practice group's paralegals
• Work closely with the team to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to policies and procedures
• Contribute to the development and improvement of office procedures and processes, seeing them through to completion
• Provide ongoing training and guidance to junior secretaries and administrative staff, sharing knowledge and best practices to enhance their development
• Additional secretarial support as needed by the attorneys, paralegals, and/or the department

 

Qualifications: 

 

We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications: 

 

• 5+ years experience as a legal secretary, with demonstrated knowledge within assigned practice areas
• Litigation experience is required
• Knowledge of local rules and deadlines 
• E-filing experience with local and State courts
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook and Excel 
• Experience with case or practice management system (ProLaw or other similar system) 
• Strong research and writing skills 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills  
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Excellent interpersonal skills 
• Ability to work with inflexible deadlines and high-volume workload with a high level of accuracy
• Ability to provide excellent customer service externally and internally 
• Minimum typing speed of 70 wpm 

 

The following qualifications are preferred:  

• Experience with ProLaw, Lexis Advanced and NetDocuments a plus 
• Knowledge of California and Federal Rules of Court 

 

Schedule: 

 

Position is full-time at 40 hours/week. Our business hours are 8:30am-5:30pm Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm Friday.  

New hire employees will complete the majority of their onboarding and training in-office as deemed necessary for the position by the firm before transitioning to a possible hybrid schedule under this policy, subject to approval by their supervisor. 

 

Why Work for Us? 

 

Our firm offers a rewarding work environment that values a work-life balance and fosters a culture of professional growth and opportunities. We provide a comprehensive compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation and sick time. 

 

What employees are saying about working with us: 

 

• “The people, atmosphere, culture, and work/life balance are great.” 
• “I always feel included, respected, and a part of the team.” 
• “I have been given so many opportunities to grow and have learned so much.” 

 

Application Process:

Candidates who meet the criteria for the position will be contact for the next step in the hiring process. Interviews are currently being conducted by phone or video with possible in-person interviews for finalist candidates. 

 

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.