Litigation Secretary

Location: La Jolla (UTC Area), San Diego, CA
Schedule: Full-Time | Hybrid (2 Days In Office, 3 Days Remote)
Salary Range: $85,000 - $114,321

About the Opportunity

A premier international Labor & Employment law firm is seeking an experienced and highly organized Litigation Secretary to support a busy team of attorneys in our La Jolla (UTC) office. This role is ideal for a litigation professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, understands the full litigation lifecycle, and is committed to delivering exceptional client service.

The successful candidate will possess strong state and federal civil litigation experience, excellent docketing skills, and the ability to prepare, proofread, and finalize sophisticated legal documents. We are looking for someone who is adaptable, eager to learn, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, revise, format, proofread, and finalize briefs, pleadings, motions, correspondence, discovery materials, and other legal documents.
• Prepare document shells and ensure compliance with California state and federal court rules.
• File legal documents electronically in state and federal courts, including experience with ECF, PACER, and other e-filing systems.
• Maintain attorney calendars, litigation deadlines, court dates, and docketing requirements.
• Track and calculate deadlines based on court rules, local rules, and scheduling orders.
• Coordinate depositions, hearings, mediations, and other litigation-related proceedings.
• Schedule court reporters, videographers, and other litigation vendors as needed.
• Communicate with court personnel and opposing counsel regarding scheduling matters.
• Maintain and organize client and case files within the firm's document management systems.
• Accurately enter, edit, and review attorney time entries and expense reports.
• Process attorney reimbursements and coordinate travel arrangements.
• Review invoices from litigation vendors and submit payment requests.
• Provide professional telephone and administrative support to assigned attorneys.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Litigation Secretary or Legal Secretary supporting civil litigation practices.
• Demonstrated experience with both California state and federal civil litigation.
• Strong knowledge of litigation procedures from case initiation through trial.
• Experience preparing and finalizing court filings, including tables of contents and tables of authorities.
• Knowledge of court rules and the ability to independently determine filing and service requirements.
• Experience maintaining litigation calendars and handling docketing responsibilities.
• Proficiency with:
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • PACER
  • ECF/E-Filing Systems
  • LexisNexis
  • Document Management Systems
• High school diploma required.

Preferred

• College degree.
• Experience with:
  • iManage
  • NetDocuments
  • Milana (CompuLaw platform)
  • Best Authority
  • Aderant
  • Concur
• Labor & Employment litigation experience.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong state and federal civil litigation experience.
• Advanced docketing and calendaring skills.
• Familiarity with California court rules and filing procedures.
• Ability to prepare document shells and finalize filings accurately and efficiently.
• Exceptional attention to detail and proofreading ability.
• Organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a strong willingness to learn.
• A positive, team-oriented attitude and commitment to client service.

Important Considerations

This position is focused on defense-side civil litigation. Candidates whose primary experience is limited to the following practice areas may not be the best fit for this role:

• Bankruptcy
• Criminal Law
• Intellectual Property
• Family Law
• Trusts & Estates
• High-volume Plaintiff-Side Complaint Practices

Candidates should have meaningful experience supporting attorneys through the entire litigation lifecycle, including discovery, motion practice, court filings, and trial preparation.

Work Schedule & Benefits

• Hybrid schedule: 3 remote days and 2 in-office days per week
• First month of employment conducted fully on-site for training and integration
• Consistent hybrid schedule following onboarding

Benefits Include

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Profit Sharing
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunity for growth within a nationally recognized law firm