Legal Assistant

Overview

Founded in 1965, La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames is a statewide civil litigation firm with multiple offices throughout California. We are seeking an experienced Legal Secretary to join our civil litigation defense practice. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of litigation experience, preferably in medical malpractice defense, and be comfortable managing a busy desk and supporting multiple attorneys.

Position summary

This position requires knowledge of California litigation procedures, calendaring, court filing requirements, and case management. We are looking for someone who takes initiative, is detail-oriented, and can effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Primary responsibilities

• Provide litigation support to multiple attorneys throughout all stages of a case.
• Draft, format, and proofread pleadings, deposition notices, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Finalize pleadings for electronic filing in California State and Federal Courts.
• Calendar and track hearings, depositions, discovery, motion deadlines, trial dates and other litigation events, ensuring attorney calendars are accurate and up to date.
• Schedule and confirm depositions, hearings, mediations, expert meetings, and other case-related events.
• Assist with discovery, including preparing shells and organizing documents for production.
• Organize and send medical records, imaging, deposition transcripts and other case materials to experts for review.
• Coordinate with experts regarding scheduling, depositions, and trial availability.
• Assist with trial preparation, including exhibits, witness and expert materials, trial binders, and other trial-related documents.
• Organize and maintain electronic case files, ensuring pleadings, correspondence, discovery, and other documents are accurately labeled and saved.
• Open and process new matters in accordance with firm procedures.
• Provide coverage and assistance to other attorneys and staff as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a litigation legal secretary or legal assistant.
• Civil litigation experience required; defense experience strongly preferred.
• Medical malpractice defense experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of California State and Federal court procedures, filing requirements, and local rules.
• Strong understanding of litigation calendaring and calculation of court deadlines.
• Experience with electronic filing and electronic service.
• Strong proofreading, formatting, and document preparation skills.
• Ability to manage a busy desk supporting multiple attorneys and competing deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and follow through without losing track of deadlines.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and electronic case/document management systems.

Equal opportunity employment

LJDFA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants, employees and volunteers, without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Additionally, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment and to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Job details

• Job Type: Full-time
• Pay: $35.00 – $45.00 per hour
• Expected hours: 40.0 per week
• Work Location: In person