Litigation Secretary

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking a Litigation Secretary with 3 to 5 years of experience supporting attorneys in a California law firm. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and experienced in California state and federal court procedures. This role will provide comprehensive administrative and litigation support, including calendaring, court filings, document preparation, and trial support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Litigation Support

• Draft, revise, proofread, and format pleadings, motions, discovery, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Prepare and electronically file documents in California Superior Courts, Courts of Appeal, Federal District Courts, and other jurisdictions as required.
• Ensure compliance with California Rules of Court, local court rules, and filing deadlines.
• Assist attorneys with all phases of litigation from case inception through trial.

Calendaring and Docket Management

• Manage attorney calendars, including court appearances, hearings, depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and client meetings.
• Track litigation deadlines and maintain an accurate docketing system.
• Calculate deadlines pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure and applicable court rules.

Trial Preparation

• Prepare trial notebooks, exhibits, witness files, and hearing binders.
• Coordinate logistics for depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and trials.
• Assist with trial preparation and courtroom support as needed.

Administrative Support

• Open new client matters and maintain case files.
• Enter attorney time and assist with billing activities.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and meeting scheduling.
• Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence and legal documents.

Client & Team Communication

• Communicate professionally with clients, court personnel, opposing counsel, experts, and vendors.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Collaborate effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff.

Qualifications

Required

• 3 to 5 years of litigation secretary experience in a California law firm.
• Experience with California state court e-filing systems and federal court filings (CM/ECF).
• Strong knowledge of California court procedures and litigation practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent proofreading, grammar, and document formatting skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred

• Experience with document management systems such as iManage or NetDocuments.
• Familiarity with court rules in multiple California counties, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Alameda, or Santa Clara.
• Trial preparation experience.
• Knowledge of legal billing software and time entry systems.

Compensation

Salary Range: $85,000 to $115,000+ annually, depending on experience, location, and practice area.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Bonus opportunities
• Professional development and continuing education