Legal Secretary I

About the role

An entry-level position providing secretarial and administrative support to professional legal staff. Requires thorough legal knowledge, competence, and secretarial skills. Prepares and files legal documents, motions, pleadings, and correspondence as directed. Maintains attorneys' calendars, sets court dates, and schedules meetings.

Responsibilities

• Drafts letters and legal documents.
• Prepares and assembles documents, including necessary transmittal forms and envelopes, in proper format.
• Completes typing and word processing assignments and documents of legal nature, including correspondence, pleadings, subpoenas, and related documents.
• Prepares documents for filing with Court.
• Produces quality written communication, corrects and edits documents to ensure final copy conveys proper format and is correct in detail.
• Prepares Answers, Cross-Complaints, discovery and all pleadings as directed by the handling attorney.
• Maintains transcripts, documents, and evidence.
• Handles files with minimal exposure and complexity, typically soft-tissue injury claims with no risk.
• Maintains record of claims and legal documents and case activity.
• Works with attorney to assist in work flow processes.
• Coordinates legal services such as court reporting, copying, and delivery agencies.
• Safeguards all work is prepared and timely submitted without delay.
• Has complete understanding of court deadlines, Rules of Court, requirements for processing documents, and all office and court processes.
• Handles routine correspondence and inquiries with attorneys, clients, adjusters, courts, etc. through written or telephone communications.
• Communicates with claims, opposing counsel, and clients regarding legal files.
• Carries out day-to-day activities in a logical and effective manner and completes work assignments promptly.
• Schedules court reporters, expert witnesses, and other experts for testimony at depositions and trial.
• Classifies, sorts, and files correspondence, articles, records, and other documents.
• Operates standard and/or automated office equipment such as word processors, typewriters, transcribing software, case management software, photocopies, etc.
• Calendars and tasks all deadlines in connection with appearances.
• Tasks all deadlines in course and scope of daily job duties and upcoming assignments.
• Schedules internal conferences related to legal files.

Qualifications

• Minimum: High School diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Vocational certification or training in the legal field.
• Minimum: Basic knowledge regarding terminology, discovery, pleadings, civil court deadlines.
• Preferred: Minimum 1-2 years insurance defense or 1-2 years civil litigation experience.
• Relevant work experience in the legal field; equivalent combination of education and/or experience considered.

Knowledge and Skills

• Minimum: Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments; organization skills with an eye for details; ability to follow directions; typing minimum 60 wpm.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and legal document management (e.g., briefs, summonses, complaints, motions, pleadings, and discovery).
• Effective oral and written communication skills with knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation usage.
• Ability to compose/draft routine pleadings and correspondence.
• Ability to utilize and process available resources.
• Detail-oriented.
• Ability to accurately calendar and manage conflicts across multiple calendars.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Pay

Geo-Salary Information:

• CA, NJ, NY, WA, HI, AK, MD, CT, RI, MA: $XX to $XX
• NV, OR, AZ, CO, WY, TX, ND, MN, MO, IL, WI, FL, GA, MI, OH, VA, PA, DE, VT, NH, ME: $XX to $XX
• UT, ID, MT, NM, SD, NE, KS, OK, IA, AR, LA, MS, AL, TN, KY, IN, SC, NC, WV: $XX to $XX

The expected base salary for this position will vary depending on a number of factors, including relevant experience, skills, and location.