Legal Secretary - Civil Litigation

Legal Secretary (Litigation) - Del Mar, CA

Position Overview

A respected law firm in Del Mar, California is seeking a highly skilled and personable Legal Secretary with strong litigation experience to join its team. This role supports busy attorneys across complex matters including trial litigation, appellate filings, and corporate-related cases (finance, M&A, IP).

The ideal candidate is technically proficient, detail-oriented, and exceptionally professional, with a proactive, team-first attitude and willingness to support both legal and administrative needs.

This is a full-time, direct-hire position with an immediate need.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation & Legal Support

• Prepare, edit, and proofread legal documents including motions, pleadings, petitions, and appellate filings
• Coordinate and submit state, federal, and appellate e-filings, ensuring strict adherence to court rules, formatting requirements, and deadlines
• Monitor and track filing deadlines, court dates, and case timelines
• Organize and maintain case files, pleadings, exhibits, and client records within document management systems (iManage)
• Conduct basic legal research and verify case-related information
• Assist in preparing documents for hearings, depositions, and trials

Administrative & Office Support

• Manage attorney calendars, including scheduling meetings, depositions, and conferences
• Act as a liaison between attorneys, paralegals, and internal teams to ensure workflow efficiency
• Handle client communications, including answering phones and emails
• Coordinate travel and expense documentation for reimbursement
• Assist with meeting logistics, conference room scheduling, and catering coordination
• Provide backup reception support and greet clients with professionalism
• Support document production and filing preparation when needed
• Serve as backup support for other legal secretaries

Client-Facing Responsibilities

• Welcome clients and visitors and assist with coordination of meetings and legal proceedings
• Maintain a professional, courteous, and confidential presence at all times
• Exercise discretion and diplomacy in all interactions

Qualifications

Required

• 3-5+ years of litigation legal secretary experience (appellate experience preferred)
• Strong knowledge of state and federal court filing rules and eFiling procedures
• Advanced proficiency with:
  • Microsoft Office (especially Word and Outlook)
  • iManage or similar legal document management systems
• Exceptional typing, proofreading, and document formatting skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and problem-solve under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Professional demeanor with a team-oriented, "can-do" attitude

Preferred

• Experience supporting trial litigation practices (finance, corporate, M&A, IP)
• Bachelor's degree
• Experience working in a mid-to-large law firm environment

What We're Looking For (Top Priorities)

1. Strong litigation filings experience (minimum 3+ years)
2. High technical proficiency with legal systems and document tools
3. A friendly, proactive team player who is willing to assist with administrative tasks

Compensation & Schedule

• Salary: $75,000 - $90,000 (DOE)
• Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday
  • Typical hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (7.5-hour workday)
• Work Environment: Fully in-office (with potential future flexibility to a hybrid schedule)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.