Legal Secretary

Overview

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do.

Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer.

This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers.

Legal Secretary responsibilities and essential administrative and executive support to attorneys, paralegals and business leaders. The role aligns with firm principles including a firm-first mentality, client-centricity, collaboration and excellence. You should thrive in a fast-paced team environment and demonstrate strong organizational, communication and up-to-date technical skills.

Administrative Support You will manage the daily operations of the legal team, including complex calendars, arranging meetings, and coordinating travel for attorneys, paralegals and business leaders. Manage meeting logistics (booking conference rooms, registering guests, securing equipment, arranging catering), and handle all communication modalities (calls, emails, and hard-copy mail). Prepare and process expense reports and check requests with accurate documentation for timely reimbursement or payment.

Provide backup support to other secretaries as needed.

Document Preparation & File Management Proofread and edit legal documents, correspondence, memos, and other communications to ensure accuracy and clarity. Assist with the preparation, management, and distribution of audit response letters, and maintain organized, up-to-date client and administrative files in the firm’s electronic document management system, ensuring quick retrieval and policy compliance.

Business Intake / Conflicts Open new client and/or matter numbers, maintain and edit matters, perform conflict checks, and prepare engagement letters, coordinating their signing through Docu Sign.

Time Entry / Billing Facilitate time entry for assigned attorneys and paralegals, including input, review, edit and release of time. May support billing processes (e.g., track billing deadlines, circulate prebills to attorneys for review).

Additional Responsibilities Support special projects and department initiatives, perform ad-hoc tasks assigned by management, and manage unforeseen needs and various unplanned requirements, ensuring the smooth operation of the legal team.

Knowledge, Skills And Competencies

• Excellent Organizational and Multitasking Abilities: manage multiple tasks and projects with efficiency and precision, prioritizing to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong Communication Skills, Both Written and Verbal: convey information clearly and professionally, fostering strong working relationships.
• Ability to Maintain Confidentiality: operate with the highest standards of privacy and discretion, protecting client and firm data.
• Actively Pursues Opportunities for Self-Development and
  
  Collaboration:
  
  committed to continuous learning and collaborating with colleagues to improve team performance.
• Understands Firm Structure and Available Resources: navigate the organization efficiently, leveraging tools and contacts to support work and firm success.
• Looks for Ways to Improve Processes and Procedures: proactively identify areas for improvement and implement changes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Analytical Ability to Solve…