Legal Secretary (Litigation) - Del Mar, CA

Location: Del Mar, California
Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; 7.5-hour workday)
Compensation: $75,000 - $90,000 (DOE)
Work Arrangement: Fully in-office (potential transition to 4:1 hybrid)

Position Overview

A respected law firm in Del Mar is seeking a highly skilled Legal Secretary with strong litigation experience to support attorneys and legal teams across complex matters, including trial litigation, appellate filings, and corporate-related work. This role requires a detail-oriented, technically proficient professional with a positive, team-first mindset and a willingness to assist with both legal and administrative functions.

Key Responsibilities

Litigation & Filing Support

• Coordinate and submit state, federal, and appellate court filings, ensuring compliance with all court rules, formatting, and deadlines.
• Prepare, edit, and proofread legal documents, including appeals, motions, petitions, and pleadings.
• Manage complex filings, including exhibits, appendices, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor and track filing deadlines, hearing dates, and court requirements to ensure timely submissions.
• Conduct legal research and verify case-related information.

Attorney & Team Support

• Provide daily administrative support to attorneys and legal teams; serve as a liaison between billing partners, paralegals, and staff.
• Maintain attorney calendars, coordinating meetings, depositions, court appearances, and conferences.
• Draft and type legal correspondence and documents with precision and accuracy.
• Receive and organize expense receipts and assist with reimbursement processes.
• Serve as backup support to other secretaries and shared attorney teams when needed.

Client & Office Coordination

• Serve as a professional point of contact for clients, attorneys, and visitors, maintaining discretion and professionalism.
• Welcome clients and assist in coordinating meetings, depositions, and hearings.
• Assist with reception coverage, including greeting visitors, handling calls, and directing inquiries.
• Coordinate conference room scheduling, meeting setups, and catering needs with Office Services staff.
• Provide light hospitality and office operational support.

Document & File Management

• Organize, maintain, and update client files, pleadings, and case materials using document management systems (e.g., iManage).
• Prepare and assemble documents for filing, including duplication and organization when Office Services staff are unavailable.
• Ensure proper recordkeeping and document accuracy across all case files.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of litigation secretarial experience (appellate filing experience strongly preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of federal and state court filing rules and eFiling procedures.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Word and Outlook) and legal software, including iManage.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent writing, proofreading, and document formatting skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; able to interact professionally with clients and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.