Position Summary
La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames’ Glendale office is a thriving mid-size law firm, with a healthy office culture, seeking an experienced Litigation Legal Secretary to join an exemplary team. La Follette is looking for a legal secretary with substantial med mal or relatable law experience. Only candidates with 3 or more years’ experience will be considered for this position. Here at La Follette each secretary is assigned between 1 – 3 attorneys and must successfully manage a heavy litigation desk. The skill level desired is one that encompasses strong initiative with the ability to be detail-oriented in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and deadlines. The professional we are seeking must possess integrity, pride in their work, the ability to successfully work under extreme pressure, maintain sound judgement, excellent communication and superior organizational and time management skills.
Our high caliber secretaries take pride in where they work, in their profession and in providing support for one another. If you feel you may be a great candidate to join La Follette’s dynamic team, you are encouraged to submit your cover letter and resume for this prestigious opportunity today.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
- Prepare and process legal documents and papers such as summons, subpoenas, complaints, appeals, motions, and pretrial agreements
- Federal and State of California court filing experience (manual and electronic)
- Ability to format briefs to include table of contents and table of authorities
- Ability to draft and file pleadings, drafting and serving discovery
- Mail, fax, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials
- Receive and place telephone calls; schedule and make appointments
- Assist with office administrative duties by making photocopies of correspondences, documents, and other printed matters
- Organize and maintain law libraries, documents, and case files
- Assist attorneys in collecting information relevant to caseloads
- Attend legal meetings to take notes such as client interviews, hearings, or depositions
- Draft and type office memos
- Review legal publications and perform database searches to identify laws and court decisions relevant to pending cases
- Submit articles and information from searches to attorneys for review and approval for use
- Complete various forms such as accident reports, trial and courtroom requests, and applications for clients
- Perform other work-related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree or Legal Secretary Certificate preferred
- Minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the legal field, preferably in litigation; equivalent combination of education and/or experience considered
- Knowledge of legal terminology and legal document management (e.g., briefs, summonses, complaints, motions, pleadings, and discovery)
- Knowledge of federal and state court rules and e-filing procedures
- Familiarity with litigation management software systems preferred, ProLaw a plus
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services
- Effective oral and written communication skills with knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation usage
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to operate basic office equipment such as a copy machine, fax machine, printer, scanner, and computer; proficient with internet research
- Accurate typing skills with the ability to type at least 70 wpm
- Previous calendaring experience
- Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively
- Excellent organizational skills with an eye for details
- Ability to be flexible to adapt and act quickly when urgent matters require it
- Ability to work and maintain patience with diversified individuals of various ethnic backgrounds and professional competencies
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
