Legal Secretary

About the role

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do. Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer. This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex calendars, arrange meetings, and coordinate travel arrangements for attorneys, paralegals and business leaders.
• Manage all aspects of meeting logistics, e.g., booking conference rooms, registering guests, securing equipment, and arranging catering services.
• Efficiently manage all communication modalities including calls, emails and hard copy mail.
• Prepare and process expense reports and check requests, ensuring accurate documentation for timely reimbursement/payment.
• Provide backup support to other secretaries, including absence coverage and overflow tasks as needed.
• Proofread and edit legal documents, correspondence, memos, and other communications to ensure accuracy and clarity.
• Assist with the preparation, management, and distribution of audit response letters, and maintain organized, up-to-date client and administrative files in the firm’s electronic document management system, ensuring quick document retrieval and compliance with firm policies.
• Open new client and/or matter numbers, maintain and edit matters, perform conflict checks, and prepare engagement letters, coordinating their signing through DocuSign.
• Facilitate time entry for assigned attorneys and paralegals including input, review, edit and release of time. May support billing process e.g., track billing deadlines, circulate prebills to attorneys for review, etc.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED required. College degree preferred but not required. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Experience supporting patent attorneys is preferred.

Qualifications

• Exceptional organizational skills, allowing you to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously with efficiency and precision.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling you to convey information clearly and effectively.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality in the legal field and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and discretion.
• Proactive in identifying areas for improvement within existing processes and procedures.
• Strong analytical skills, enabling you to find solutions to various administrative challenges.

Skills

• Proactive and detail-oriented professional.
• Supporting attorneys, paralegals and business leaders.
• Patent attorneys in Goodwin's Life Science practice.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retail & Savings Plan.
• Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Employee recognition and reward programs.
• Employee wellness and assistance programs.
• Employee discounts and perks.

Pay

The target salary range for this position varies by location and is commensurate with relevant experience:

• Boston: $67,200 - $110,400
• Los Angeles: $70,000 - $115,000
• New York: $71,400 - $117,300
• Orange County: $70,000 - $115,000
• Philadelphia: $63,000 - $103,500
• San Diego: $70,000 - $115,000
• San Francisco: $75,600 - $124,200
• Santa Monica: $70,000 - $115,000