Managing Clerk

About the role

Haynes and Boone, LLP is seeking a full-time Managing Clerk to join the Litigation Department. This role will provide guidance to multiple practice groups on local, state and federal court rules, procedural issues and strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced procedural guidance and advice to lawyers with respect to motion practice, discovery, appeals, and general policies and procedures in various State and Federal Courts.
• Aid with and handle electronic case filings via CM/ECF, NYSCEF and other nearby jurisdictions, in addition to hard copy filings and document retrieval.
• Perform legal research to advise litigators on various procedural and other matters.
• Screen and review court documents, electronic notices and office correspondence to calculate and calendar relevant deadlines using the firm’s docketing system.
• Supervise monitoring of the Firm’s docketing and calendar systems, including the calculation and maintenance of due dates as well as providing quality control over use of the Firm’s docketing system.
• Ensure that attorneys are kept abreast of filing deadlines and court appearances.
• Review documents before service and filing for correct format, adherence to rules, signatures, required filing fees, number of copies for court/chambers, service issues, etc.
• Retrieve dockets and court documents, as requested by other Firm attorneys.
• Register attorneys for electronic filing and supervise/anticipate troubleshooting of account-access issues.
• Maintain awareness of rule amendments in jurisdictions in which the Firm operates.
• Review firm calendar and anticipate electronic filings on deadline to coordinate filing coverage and ensure procedural compliance.
• Build strong working relationships with clerks in Texas, California and Illinois State, Federal and Appellate Courts and beyond.
• Liaise with court personnel to ascertain information and troubleshoot filings.
• Coordinate with process servers nationwide for service of summonses, complaints, subpoenas, and other legal documents.
• Supervise procurement of certificates of good standing for newly admitted and practicing attorneys.
• Cook up with and provide substantive guidance to paralegal teams regarding filings and rules adherence.
• Utilize court-related databases, websites and relevant docketing and calendaring applications including, but not limited to, PACER, Bloomberg Law, CourtAlert and Westlaw.
• Create database of sample forms of pleadings and other legal documents and provide forms to Firm attorneys as needed.
• Assist with department and case team projects as needed.
• Assist with drafting and revising court submissions such as stipulations, notices of appearance, court required forms, applications for pro hac vice admission, etc.
• Engage in collaborative efforts within the Firm to advance and improve internal procedures and provide procedural guidance.
• Research and respond to procedural questions regarding service and filing of court papers.

Qualifications

• Experience/Knowledge: 8+ years relevant experience in a Managing Attorney’s Office at a comparably sized or larger law firm.
• Familiarity with litigation practice, and ability to quickly and accurately understand implications and deadlines associated with various filings.
• Advanced knowledge of Texas, California and Illinois federal and state court systems and the corresponding federal and state court rules.
• Advanced proficiency with an industry-standard calendaring tool (e.G., eDockets, CourtAlert, CompuLaw).
• Advanced knowledge of PACER/NextGen, CPi, Bloomberg Law, CourtLink, WestLaw Practical Law NYSCEF and Odyssey.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and to multitask under demanding situations.
• Flexibility to be available after hours to assist with filings and procedural questions.
• Self-starter and possesses the ability to work independently, while exhibiting extraordinary attention to detail.
• Experience supervising other members of a Managing Attorney/Clerk’s Office at a large law firm preferred.
• Notary Public license preferred.
• Experience with rules in Texas, California, Colorado, North Carolina, Illinois a plus.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• JD from an ABA-accredited law school and an active New York bar or Texas license in good standing are a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move around the office up to 15% of the time to make copies, fax, file, etc.
• Remains stationary at least 85% of the time.
• When coordinating/attending special events, might be required to move around up to 100% of the time.
• This position constantly operates computers, printers and other office productivity machines (e.G., fax machine, copier, etc.).
• Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 lbs.
• This position requires constant communication and exchange of information with the firm attorneys, vendors, clients and staff.
• This position must be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time.
• Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity machines, such as a copier, scanner, and printer.
• Constant communication with attorneys, clients, and firm staff is required.