Legal Assistant - Trial/Corporate (Costa Mesa, CA) (#5001)

About the role

We are seeking a Legal Assistant in our Trial and Corporate departments in our Southern California, Costa Mesa office.

Responsibilities

• Proactively maintain overview of timekeepers’ workload and caseload; anticipate next steps and implement follow-up procedures.
• Draft, format, proofread, redline and/or edit electronic correspondence, pleadings, discovery, briefs and other memorandum for accuracy to ensure a high quality product, from dictation, handwritten, typed, and/or electronic copy.
• File legal documents electronically in both state and federal courts.
• Review docket and coordinate with attorneys and paralegals on upcoming dates and deadlines.
• Maintain attorney calendars by scheduling appointments, conference calls, and meetings.
• Schedule couriers and court reporters.
• Assist assigned paralegal with trial preparation; i.e., scheduling witnesses, trial briefs, etc.
• Prepare charts, graphs, and other demonstratives as instructed.
• Anticipate potential problems in meeting deadlines and take appropriate action.
• Clock preliminary conflicts checks; prepare new client/matter intake forms and engagement letters.
• Locate information for assignments as directed.
• Aid assigned paralegal with Merger & Acquisition signature packets.
• Aid assigned paralegal with combining multiple Merger & Acquisition documents for distribution.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• At least 7-10 years of related experience, law firm experience preferred.
• Experience with electronic court filing programs in California state courts and CM/ECF (Federal).
• Possess knowledge and understanding of local and federal court rules and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Proficient with Kofax Power PDF.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent customer/client service focus and skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and perform well under pressure to ensure deadlines are met.
• Ability to use good judgment in resolving conflict and working in challenging situations.
• Ability to maintain client and firm confidentiality.
• Positive attitude and ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to use independent judgment.
• Thorough understanding of legal terminology and procedures pertinent to the practice area.
• Proficient with “Styles” in formatting Table of Contents in Merger & Acquisition documents.

Qualifications

• One Of Our Greatest Strengths Is a Friendly, Cooperative Culture That Values And Appreciates Each Individual.
• Dorsey Has Received External Recognition For Our Welcoming Workplace, Including Mansfield Certification Plus (Diversity Lab) Best Law Firms for Women (National Association of Female Executives and Flex-Time Lawyers) 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign) Gold Standard Certification (Women in Law Empowerment Forum) Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplace (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Benefits

Reasonable Accommodations
Dorsey is committed to providing disability and religious-based reasonable accommodations, as well as menopause, pregnancy or lactation-related reasonable accommodations.

How To Apply
Dorsey & Whitney LLP accepts online applications. Please go to the “Careers” section of the Dorsey website at www.dorsey.com/staffjobs and complete Dorsey’s online application form. We are unable to accept application materials by mail or email.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP is an EEO/AAP/Disabled Vets Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally-protected status.

Dorsey estimates it will accept applications through July 10, 2026. Please note that Dorsey is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.

Office Location: Costa Mesa, CA