Litigation Secretary - Labor & Employment

Litigation Secretary (Senior-Level)

Location: La Jolla, CA (UTC area)
Employment Type: Full-Time | Hybrid (2 days in-office / 3 remote)
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Compensation: $85,000 - $114,321 annually
(Equivalent hourly range: $43.59 - $58.63, depending on experience)

About the Firm

A premier international labor and employment law firm is seeking an experienced Litigation Secretary to join our La Jolla office. This is a key role supporting attorneys through every phase of litigation while ensuring high-quality work product and exceptional client service. We are seeking senior-level legal secretaries but are open to more junior candidates who demonstrate strong litigation fundamentals and a high level of teachability.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, format, proofread, and finalize litigation documents including briefs, pleadings, discovery, and correspondence
• Create and maintain document shells; generate and update Tables of Contents and Tables of Authorities
• File legal documents in California state and federal courts (ECF/e-filing required)
• Docket deadlines and manage litigation calendars, including statutes, court rules, and scheduling orders
• Maintain attorney calendars using Outlook and Aderant Milana
• Coordinate depositions, hearings, and court appearances, including scheduling court reporters and videographers
• Schedule hearings with state and federal court clerks
• Maintain and update client and matter files in document management systems (iManage, NetDocuments, or similar)
• Support discovery processes and manage documents throughout the full litigation lifecycle
• Enter, review, and revise timekeeper timesheets with proper litigation codes
• Prepare attorney reimbursements, mileage, and expense reports (Concur)
• Review vendor invoices, prepare check requests, and coordinate timely payment
• Arrange travel accommodations for assigned attorneys
• Provide professional, friendly, and responsive telephone and administrative support

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a litigation or legal secretary
• State and federal civil litigation experience (labor & employment preferred)
• Thorough knowledge of California Rules of Court and federal court procedures
• Demonstrated experience with docketing and calendaring litigation deadlines
• Familiarity with the entire litigation process, including discovery
• Experience with:
  • LexisNexis
  • PACER / ECF
  • Aderant Milana (or Compulaw-based systems)
  • Concur
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong attention to detail, proofreading skills, and ability to prioritize deadlines

Preferred (But Not Required)

• College degree
• Experience in labor & employment defense litigation

What We're Looking For (Top Three Qualities)

1. State and federal civil litigation experience
   • Ability to prepare document shells, finalize filings, and locate applicable court rules
2. Strong docketing skills
   • Accurate, proactive calendaring of all litigation deadlines
3. Teachability and flexibility
   • Willingness to learn new systems and processes; adaptable in a fast-paced environment

Work Schedule & Hybrid Policy

• First month onsite for training
• Hybrid schedule thereafter: 3 remote days / 2 in-office days
• Remote days may be selected but must remain consistent

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: $85,000 - $114,321, based on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with profit sharing
  • Generous pa

    All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.