Legal Secretary I

Role Overview

• This role provides secretarial and administrative support to professional legal staff.
• Demonstrates thorough degree of legal knowledge, competence and secretarial skills.
• Prepares and files legal documents, motions, pleadings and correspondence of a legal nature as directed.
• Maintains attorneys calendar, sets court dates and appearances, and schedules meetings with witnesses and other involved parties.
• Maintains department records.
• May be required to support up to as many as three litigation attorneys.
• Draft letters and legal documents; Prepare and assemble documents, including necessary transmittal forms and envelopes, in proper format; Complete typing and word processing assignments and documents of legal nature, including correspondence, pleadings, subpoenas, and related documents.
• Prepares documents for filing with Court; Produces quality written communication, corrects and edits documents to ensure final copy conveys proper format and is correct in detail;
• Prepares Answers, Cross-Complaints, discovery and all pleadings as directed by the handling attorney; Maintains transcripts, documents and evidence; Handle files with minimal exposure and complexity; typical soft-tissue injury claims with no risk; Maintains record of claims and legal documents and case activity.
• Works with attorney to assist in work flow processes; Coordinates legal services such as court reporting, copying and delivery agencies;
• Assures all work is prepared and timely submitted without delay. Has complete understanding of court deadlines, Rules of Court, requirements for processing documents and all office and court processes; Handles routine correspondence and inquiries with attorneys, clients, adjusters, courts, etc. through written or telephone communications skills;
• Communicates with claims, opposing counsel and clients regarding legal file; Carries out day to day activities in a logical and effective manner and completes work assignments promptly; Schedules court reporters, expert witnesses and other experts for testimony at depositions and trial;
• Classifies, sort and file correspondence, articles, records and other documents; Operates standard and/or automated office equipment such as word processors, typewriters, transcribing software, case management software, photocopies, etc.
• Maintains attorney calendar by accurately recording court dates and appearances as directed. Schedules meetings, depositions, and appointments; Assembles documents, reports and information as requested to prepare for meetings; Arranges necessary meeting spaces, secures conference rooms as needed; Informs participants of meeting dates, times and location; Resolves calendar conflicts by prioritizing and coordinates rescheduling dates as requested; Tasks all deadlines in connection with appearances; Tasks all deadlines in course and scope of daily job duties and upcoming assignments; Schedules internal conferences related to legal files;

Requirements

• Minimum: High School diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Vocational certification or training in the legal field.
• Minimum: Basic knowledge regarding terminology, discovery, pleadings, civil court deadlines.
• Preferred: Minimum 1-2 years insurance defense or 1-2 years civil litigation experience.
• Relevant work experience in the legal field; equivalent combination of education and/or experience considered.
• Minimum: Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments; organization skills with an eye for details; ability follow directions; typing minimum 60 wpm; Knowledge of legal terminology and legal document management (e.g., briefs, summonses, complaints, motions, pleadings and discovery).
• Effective oral and written communication skills with knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation usage; Ability to compose/draft routine pleadings and correspondence; Ability to utilize and process available resources; Detail orientated; Ability to accurately calendar and manage conflicts across multiple calendars; Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook;
• Preferred: Knowledge of federal and state court rules and e-filing procedures, familiarity with litigation management software systems, ability to be flexible to adapt and act quickly when urgent matters require it, Trial experience

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States for most positions
• Paid time off (vacation time, sick time, 9 paid Company holidays, volunteer hours)
• Incentive bonus programs (potential for holiday bonus, referral bonus, and performance-based bonus)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance
• 401 (k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Engaging work environment
• Promotional opportunities
• Education assistance
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Company recognition program
• Health and wellbeing resources, including free mental wellbeing therapy/coaching sessions, child and eldercare resources, and more