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)