Legal Secretary – Defense Litigation
Location: Walnut Creek, CA
Position Type: Full-Time
Summary
Our client is seeking an experienced Legal Secretary to provide comprehensive administrative and secretarial support to their Legal Department. This role is ideal for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with strong litigation support experience, particularly in defense trial and California civil litigation.
Key Responsibilities
Maintain attorney calendars, tickler systems, and deadlines
Schedule meetings, court appearances, and coordinate with clients, experts, and co-counsel
Review, organize, and re-index mail in OnBase for attorney review and action
Draft and format correspondence, memos, and other legal documents
Contact clients to obtain necessary information as requested by attorneys
Maintain electronic confidential legal files, ensuring accurate documentation of all activity
Prepare discovery, pre-trial, and trial documents for filing with courts
Coordinate and calendar all aspects of discovery initiated by plaintiffs and defendants
Provide legal secretarial support for short- or long-term assignments
Answer and screen telephone calls professionally
Transcribe dictation or type from handwritten material, rough drafts, or litigation documents (pleadings, court forms, reports, summaries, releases, etc.)
Assist and provide backup support for other secretaries as needed
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of court rules and procedures
Participate in department and company projects, as assigned
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED
7+ years of defense trial/litigation experience
3+ years recent California civil litigation experience
Proven trial preparation experience
Strong knowledge of court procedures and litigation processes
Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills
Ability to work independently with strong initiative
Computer literate with proficiency in MS Word and case management software
Typing speed of 70+ WPM
Preferred Skills
Experience in a high-volume legal environment
Familiarity with electronic filing systems and OnBase
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
Why This Role Stands Out
Work in a collaborative legal team supporting high-profile defense litigation
Opportunity to leverage your trial preparation expertise
Engage with a dynamic legal environment in Walnut Creek, CA