Litigation Secretary (Labor & Employment Litigation)

Location: La Jolla/UTC Area, San Diego, CA
Schedule: Full-Time | Hybrid (2 days in-office, 3 days remote after onboarding)
Salary: $85,000 - $114,321 annually

About the Opportunity

A respected law firm located in the La Jolla/UTC area is seeking an experienced Litigation Secretary to support a busy Labor & Employment Litigation practice. This position plays a critical role in supporting attorneys through all phases of litigation and ensuring the timely and accurate preparation, filing, and management of legal documents.

The ideal candidate will possess strong state and federal civil litigation experience, excellent organizational skills, and a willingness to learn new systems and processes. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned legal professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to delivering exceptional client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, format, proofread, and finalize legal documents including pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery, correspondence, and other litigation-related materials.
• Create document shells and ensure filings comply with applicable California state and federal court rules.
• Electronically file documents in California state and federal courts, including ECF and PACER filings.
• Maintain litigation calendars, including deadlines, hearings, depositions, court dates, and related docketing activities.
• Schedule and coordinate depositions, hearings, court reporters, videographers, and meetings with opposing counsel and court personnel.
• Update and maintain client and matter files within the firm's document management systems.
• Manage attorney calendars through Outlook and docketing software, ensuring all litigation deadlines are accurately tracked.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and logistics for assigned attorneys.
• Review, revise, and submit attorney time entries and expense reimbursements.
• Process vendor invoices and prepare payment requests in a timely manner.
• Provide professional and responsive telephone and administrative support to attorneys and clients.
• Assist attorneys throughout the entire litigation lifecycle, from case inception through trial preparation and resolution.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 5 years of legal secretary experience supporting litigation practices.
• Strong experience with state and federal civil litigation, including knowledge of court procedures and filing requirements.
• Proficiency in electronic filing (e-filing) with California state and federal courts.
• Experience maintaining litigation calendars and performing docketing responsibilities.
• Knowledge of legal terminology, litigation documents, and court procedures.
• Ability to create and update Tables of Contents and Tables of Authorities.
• Advanced proficiency with:
  • Microsoft Word
  • Outlook
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Document Management Systems
  • Time Entry Systems

Preferred

• Experience supporting Labor & Employment litigation matters.
• Familiarity with:
  • LexisNexis
  • PACER
  • ECF
  • Aderant Milana (CompuLaw platform)
  • Best Authority
  • iManage
  • NetDocuments
  • Concur
• College degree preferred but not required.

What We're Looking For

Top Three Qualifications

1. State and Federal Civil Litigation Experience

   • Experience preparing and finalizing litigation documents.
   • Knowledge of California court rules and federal court procedures.
   • Understanding of the litigation process from inception through resolution.

2. Docketing Experience

   • Ability to accurately calendar court deadlines, hearings, depositions, and case milestones.
   • Strong attention to detail and deadline management skills.

3. Teachability and Flexibility

   • Willingness to learn new systems, technology, and processes.
   • Adaptable team player who can thrive in a dynamic legal environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• First month of employment will be fully onsite for training and onboarding.
• After onboarding, employees may work a hybrid schedule consisting of 2 days in-office and 3 days remote, with consistent in-office days established by the team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with profit sharing
• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Professional and collaborative work environment