Legal Secretary - Civil Litigation (Del Mar, CA)

Overview

A respected law firm in Del Mar, CA is seeking an experienced Legal Secretary with a strong background in civil litigation to support a team of attorneys handling complex litigation matters. This is a direct hire opportunity offering a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical skills, deep familiarity with litigation processes, and a professional, team-oriented attitude with a willingness to support both legal and administrative functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a key liaison between attorneys, paralegals, and internal teams to manage daily administrative and litigation support tasks.
• Prepare, coordinate, and file civil litigation documents in state, federal, and appellate courts, ensuring compliance with court rules, formatting requirements, and deadlines.
• Draft, edit, and proofread legal documents including pleadings, motions, discovery materials, and appellate filings.
• Maintain and manage attorney calendars, scheduling depositions, hearings, mediations, court appearances, and client meetings.
• Track and monitor litigation deadlines, court dates, and case milestones to ensure timely filings.
• Organize and maintain case files, pleadings, exhibits, and discovery materials using document management systems such as iManage.
• Assist with trial preparation, including organizing exhibits, binders, and case materials.
• Coordinate client meetings, depositions, and hearings, including conference room scheduling and hospitality arrangements.
• Receive and process travel and expense documentation for reimbursement.
• Provide professional front-facing support, including greeting clients and handling incoming calls and communications.
• Support office operations, including document production, filing preparation, and coordination with Office Services.
• Conduct basic legal research and assist with verifying case-related information.
• Provide backup support to reception and other legal secretaries as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of civil litigation experience required (5+ years preferred).
• Strong experience with civil litigation filings, including familiarity with appellate procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of California state and federal court rules, deadlines, and eFiling systems.
• Advanced proficiency in:
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Outlook required)
  • iManage or similar document management systems
  • Legal eFiling platforms
• Strong typing, formatting, and proofreading skills for litigation documents and correspondence.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly detail-oriented with strong follow-through.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and discretion.
• Proven ability to prioritize, multitask, and work under pressure.
• Bachelor's Degree preferred.

Top Candidate Profile

• Highly experienced in civil litigation filings (state, federal, appellate)
• Technically skilled and detail-oriented
• Positive, team-first mindset with a willingness to assist beyond core duties
• Friendly, professional, and adaptable in a fast-paced legal environment

Position Details

• Location: Del Mar, CA
• Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday
  • 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (7.5-hour workday)
• Work Model: Fully in-office (potential transition to 4:1 hybrid)
• Compensation: $75,000 - $90,000, DOE
• Employment Type: Direct Hire