Litigation Paralegal / Legal Secretary

Job Description

Job Description

About the Firm

MBK Chapman PC is a premier litigation firm based in Aliso Viejo, California. Our attorneys represent clients in complex litigation matters throughout the state, including trial and appellate proceedings. We pride ourselves on a fast-paced environment, collaborative culture, and a commitment to excellence in client advocacy.

We are seeking a seasoned Paralegal / Litigation Legal Secretary with 3–5+ years of California litigation experience to provide comprehensive support to our partners and associates. The ideal candidate understands the procedural rhythm of California litigation and is comfortable managing multiple active matters while ensuring strict compliance with court rules and deadlines.

The Role

This is a full-time, 100% in-person position based in our Aliso Viejo office.

This hybrid role blends paralegal-level litigation support with high-level litigation secretarial responsibilities. The position involves assisting attorneys throughout the full lifecycle of litigation—from case inception through discovery, motion practice, trial preparation, and appellate filings—while ensuring that all procedural requirements and deadlines are met with precision.

The successful candidate must be organized, proactive, and comfortable juggling multiple cases for multiple attorneys simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

Case Management & Litigation Support

• Assist attorneys and senior paralegal in managing cases from initial filing through trial, arbitration, and appeal
• Open new matters, organize case files, and maintain structured electronic and physical file systems
• Coordinate service of process and track responsive pleading deadlines
• Monitor procedural posture of cases and ensure compliance with court rules and scheduling orders
• Maintain case calendars and track litigation milestones

Court Filings

• Execute electronic and physical filings in California courts, including Superior Courts and Courts of Appeal
• Utilize OneLegal, TrueFiling, and county-specific e-filing portals including Orange and Los Angeles counties
• Prepare judge’s copies, courtesy copies, and service packages in compliance with court rules

Discovery Support

• Assist attorneys in preparing, propounding, and responding to written discovery
• Prepare and coordinate Notices of Deposition
• Schedule and coordinate depositions with court reporters, videographers, and witnesses
• Manage deposition logistics, transcript ordering, and deposition exhibit organization
• Handle document productions and Bates stamping

Appellate Support

• Assist with appellate filings, briefing preparation, and formatting requirements
• Manage appellate calendaring and track briefing deadlines
• Support preparation and filing of appendices and appellate record materials

Trial & Arbitration Preparation

• Assist attorneys in preparing for trial, arbitration, and hearings
• Assemble trial binders, exhibit binders, arbitration binders, and witness materials
• Manage exhibit indexing, numbering, and organization
• Coordinate logistics for hearings, arbitrations, and trial appearances

Pleading Preparation

• Format, proofread, and finalize legal documents including pleadings, motions, discovery, and correspondence
• Prepare Tables of Contents and Tables of Authorities for complex filings
• Ensure compliance with court formatting rules and filing requirements

Calendaring & Deadlines

• Maintain master litigation calendars for multiple attorneys
• Calculate and track deadlines under the California Code of Civil Procedure, California Rules of Court, and local court rules

Communication & Coordination

• Communicate with clients, court clerks, opposing counsel, court reporters, and vendors regarding scheduling and procedural matters
• Coordinate logistics for hearings, depositions, and filings
• Manage attorney correspondence and assist with client communication when appropriate

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 3–5+ years of litigation experience in California state courts
• Experience supporting litigation matters from inception through trial or appeal

Jurisdictional Knowledge

• Strong understanding of California Superior Court procedures and litigation timelines
• Familiarity with California Rules of Court and Code of Civil Procedure deadlines

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Adobe Acrobat
• Electronic filing platforms such as OneLegal and TrueFiling
• Document formatting tools including TOC and TOA generation
• Remote hearing platforms such as Zoom
• Litigation document management and case management systems

Professional Skills

• Ability to manage multiple active cases simultaneously for different attorneys
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to anticipate attorney needs and work independently under tight deadlines

Presence

• Ability to work full-time, Monday through Friday, in our Aliso Viejo office

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Competitive base salary ($75,000-$100,000 DOE)
• Health insurance
• Paid vacation and holidays

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person