Legal Practice Assistant - Trial & Litigation - DTLA

Job Title: Legal Practice Assistant - Trial & Litigation - DTLA

Location (On-site, Remote, or Hybrid?): Los Angeles, CA, 90017 (onsite)

Contract Duration: PERM

Job Description

Working in our Downtown Los Angeles office, this full-time non-exempt position performs a variety of administrative support duties and delivers high-quality services to internal and external clients, exhibiting a commitment to integrity and excellence. The position, reporting to the Director

of Administration, requires thorough knowledge of all firm and practice specific administrative processes and procedures, information technology systems, research tools and a broad-based understanding of the clients, matters and associated practices. The scope of responsibilities includes prioritizing, managing and following through on multiple projects, and communicating effectively, courteously and professionally with clients, attorneys, staff and peers. This role has no direct reports.

This position will support the firm's Trial and Litigation Group, which includes a robust litigation practice focused on complex crisis litigation in the areas of constitutional law, wildfire litigation, COVID-19 litigation, civil rights claims in the land use context, First Amendment claims, takings, and class action litigation. The Group is actively engaged in all phases of litigation in both federal and state court from initial pleadings through discovery, dispositive motion practice, trial, and appeal.

Critical features of this job are described under the headings below. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The position's essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Communication: Effective communication, to include draft, review and revision of documents, including correspondence, reports, pleading and memoranda.
• Document Processing: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to format court pleadings according to applicable court rules and generate TOAs and TOCs using Firm software, which implies a depth of knowledge regarding court rules (federal, state), and in-person/electronic filing. Knowledge of Federal and State position statement processes is a plus.
• Calendaring: Superior organizational skills with a demonstrated understanding of calendaring practices (e.g., CompuLaw), to keep attorney(s) abreast of upcoming deadlines.
• Technology: Literacy in various software packages (e.g., MS Office, iManage, CCC Macros, time and billing software, Adobe), to include quick and accurate typing speed.
• Collaborate closely with employees to ensure calendars are formatted and prepared in accordance with Firm best practices;
• Maintain composure, efficiency and accuracy under high work volume circumstances;
• Demonstrate excellent support by working cordially, cooperatively and productively with all Firm employees; and
• Other functions as assigned.

Management retains the right to add to or change the functions of this position at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following qualifications are required:

• High School Diploma; Bachelor's degree preferred;
• Minimum of seven (7) years of legal secretary/legal assistant experience;
• Prior litigation experience in California state and federal court is required; appellate experience is preferred;
• Ability to work well under pressure and multi-task in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment;
• Responds to requests for service and assistance and meets commitments;
• Speaks clearly and persuasively; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings;
• Writes clearly and informatively; varies writing style to meet needs;
• Ability to work with little supervision; prioritizes and anticipates work needs; works well under occasional periods of pressure and short deadlines.