Legal Secretary

Washington, DC

Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, discovery requests/responses, briefs and subpoenas. Also assist with hearing and trial preparation, legal research, conflicts checks and docket calendaring. Coordinate with outside vendors for court reporters, printing, messengers and overnight delivery.

• Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) or Bachelor’s degree preferred. A minimum of three (5) years supporting litigation and trial attorneys required. Previous law firm experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of administrative procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records.
• Knowledge of court procedures and processes at the local, state and federal levels.
• Strong familiarity with legal terminology.
• Strong familiarity with the electronic court filing process and requirements. Knowledge of docket calendaring systems.
• Possess strong communication skills to interact and communicate effectively and professionally with clients and co leagues in-person, via telephone or video and in writing.
• Proactive and adaptable with a “can-do” mindset.

• Active Learning—Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem‑solving and decision‑making.
• Active Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Writing—Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Coordination—Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
• Service Orientation—Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Social Perceptiveness—Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Time Management—Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
• Work Setting—Indoor office setting.
• Body Positioning—Seated at a desk or an optional standing desk; working on a computer. Occasional movement to interact with supervisors and colleagues.
• Work Attire—Business casual.

• Prepare, proofread, and/or process legal documents, such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, response to complaints, discovery requests/responses, briefs and appellate documents.
• Prepare, proofread, and/or process documents in ADR matters with AAA, JAMS and other alternate dispute resolution providers.
• Mail, fax, email or arrange for delivery of legal documents/correspondence to clients, witnesses and court officials.
• In accordance with court (state, federal, appellate, local) rules, e‑file pleadings with the Court. Download and circulate to client matter “teams” documents that have been filed or served.
• Coordinate with docketing specialist dates and deadlines for cases.
• Coordinate with attorney(s) and courtroom to set up appearance for remote appearance using the appropriate platform (Zoom, LACourt
  
  Connect, Court Cal).
• Coordinate with outside, approved vendors for court reporters for hearings and depositions.
• Forward invoices from outside vendors to the billing department with correct client information for cost recovery.
• Receive and place telephone calls. Schedule and make appointments.
• Scan and circulate correspondence, documents, and other printed matter.
• Organize and maintain documents and case files using the firm’s file management system.
• Assist attorneys with administrative tasks such as expense reimbursements and travel arrangements. Draft and type correspondence.
• Complete various forms, including but not limited to, judicial council, ADR, courtroom requests and applications for clients.
• Run conflicts checks for new clients and matters using the firm’s conflicts report in TABS.
• Maintain a commitment to preserving the confidentiality of information for the firm and its clients and vendors.

• Writing—Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Time…