Commercial Litigation Legal Assistant

Location: San Diego, CA
Compensation: $80,000 - $100,000 + Bonus & Comprehensive Benefits

Position Overview

A respected San Diego law firm is seeking an experienced Commercial Litigation Legal Assistant to provide high-level litigation and administrative support to attorneys throughout all phases of complex business and commercial litigation matters. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of California and Federal court procedures, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced legal environment.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation Support

• Prepare, revise, proofread, and format pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery, correspondence, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Handle electronic filing and service in California State, Federal, and Appellate Courts.
• Assist attorneys through all stages of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, hearings, mediations, arbitrations, and trial preparation.
• Prepare and organize exhibits, deposition materials, trial binders, hearing notebooks, and case files.
• Coordinate depositions, court reporters, videographers, interpreters, expert witnesses, and other litigation vendors.
• Monitor litigation deadlines, court dates, and filing requirements in coordination with the firm's docketing team.
• Review court notices and filings to ensure all deadlines are accurately calendared and tracked.
• Prepare Tables of Contents and other litigation support materials as needed.

Administrative Support

• Provide confidential administrative support to attorneys and legal staff.
• Maintain attorney calendars, schedule meetings, coordinate travel arrangements, process expense reimbursements, and enter attorney time in 3E.
• Maintain electronic and physical client files and assist with matter opening and closing procedures.
• Partner with billing, records, docketing, and administrative teams to ensure efficient workflow.
• Provide overflow secretarial and administrative support when needed.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 5+ years of commercial/business litigation experience supporting multiple attorneys.
• Extensive experience with California State and Federal Court filing procedures, deadlines, and rules.
• Experience coordinating depositions, hearings, mediations, and trial preparation.
• Working knowledge of the litigation lifecycle and e-discovery processes.

Technical Skills

• Expertise in e-filing within California State and Federal Courts.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, PDF editing software, document management systems, and legal software including 3E.
• Strong document formatting, proofreading, and grammar skills.
• Typing speed of 60+ WPM.

Professional Skills

• Outstanding organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, client service, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employer-funded Profit Sharing Plan
• Discretionary year-end bonus
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Pre-tax parking benefit
• Monthly office lunches, holiday parties, and staff appreciation events
• Modern downtown San Diego office with stocked refreshments