Legal Secretary

Job Description and Duties

Are you ready to be a part of the largest law firm in California? Are you motivated by the opportunity to receive professional legal career hands-on training?

As members of a legal support legal secretarial team, you will perform legal secretarial duties for multiple attorneys/professional staff in the San Francisco Office of the Attorney General. Those duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Proficiently typing, editing, storing, retrieving, printing, processing, and electronically sending legal documents and pleadings using various department supported software such as: Word, Best Authority, Microsoft Outlook, Adobe Acrobat and Prolaw and other desktop technology tools and communication devices.

Common responsibilities include:

• Format and File/E-File legal documents with State and Federal Courts
• Produce case cities utilizing Best Authority software
• Ensure all documents are prepared, proofread, copied and filed/served in accordance with legal requirements, court rules and deadlines
• Comply with state and departmental rules and regulations and office policies and practices. Compose letters and memoranda
• Maintain a calendar of document due dates and court appearances 
• Prepare subpoenas

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position offers a hybrid work schedule (a combination of in-office and remote work) after successfully completing a portion of the probationary period, based on demonstrated knowledge and skills. If you value work/life balance, reduced commuting costs, and scheduling flexibility, this position may be a great for you!

Special Requirements

• A fingerprint check will be required.
• Clearly indicate the Job Control Code (JC-529704) and the title of this position in the "Examination or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying" section located on the first page of your State Application.
• If you have previously applied for JC-517916, you do not need to re-apply as your application will be considered.
• Please be certain that your application package is thorough and completely filled out describing in detail your background experience and/or education duties. All applications will be pre-screened and only the most qualified and competitive applicants will be included in the interview and hiring process.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma. An official transcript will be required upon appointment.

• Important Information:

  Applicants are prohibited from using artificial intelligence software (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude AI) in the creation of the Statement of Qualifications.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Candidates interested in a career which provides for upward mobility with extensive training, as well as the chance to work in a variety of legal fields such as, but not limited to, civil law, criminal law, and public rights.

The most successful candidates will have:

• Good computer skills
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment
• Ability to work cooperatively and tactfully with staff and management
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and willingness to assume increased responsibility
• Ability to write and communicate effectively
• Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to demonstrate good attendance and punctuality

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Examination Link

To be considered for the job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification.

Please note: A separate application is required for the examination and must be submitted to the address on the examination bulletin.

Legal Secretary Examination Bulletin may be viewed at CalCareers
Senior Legal Typist Examination Bulletin may be viewed at CalCareers

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.