Legal Secretary I

Overview

Join an amazing team that is consistently recognized for our achievements and culture, including our most recent Forbes award of being one of America's Best Midsize Employers for 2025!

 

Position Summary:

 

Entry level position that provides secretarial and administrative support to professional legal staff. Demonstrates thorough degree of legal knowledge, competence and secretarial skills. Prepares and files legal documents, motions, pleadings and correspondence of a legal nature as directed. Maintains attorneys calendar, sets court dates and appearances, and schedules meetings with witnesses and other involved parties. Maintains department records. May be required to support up to as many as three litigation attorneys.

 

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

• Works closely with Attorney to:
• Draft letters and legal documents;
• Prepare and assemble documents, including necessary transmittal forms and envelopes, in proper 
• format;
• Complete typing and word processing assignments and documents of legal nature, including correspondence, pleadings, subpoenas, and related documents.
• Prepares documents for filing with Court; 
• Produces quality written communication, corrects and edits documents to ensure final copy conveys property format and is correct in detail; 
• Prepares Answers, Cross-Complaints, discovery and all pleadings as directed by the handling attorney;
• Maintains transcripts, documents and evidence;
• Handle files with minimal exposure and complexity; typical soft-tissue injury claims with no risk;
• Maintains record of claims and legal documents and case activity; 
• Works with attorney to assist in work flow processes; 
• Coordinates legal services such as court reporting, copying and delivery agencies; 
• Assures all work is prepared and timely submitted without delay. 
• Has complete understanding of court deadlines, Rules of Court, requirements for processing documents and all office and court processes;
• Handles routine correspondence and inquires with attorneys, clients, adjusters, courts, etc. through written or telephone communications skills;
• Communicates with claims, opposing counsel and clients regarding legal file; 
• Carries out day to day activities in a logical and effective manner and completes work assignments promptly; 
• Schedules court reporters, expert witnesses and other experts for testimony at depositions and trial; 
• Classifies, sort and file correspondence, articles, records and other documents;
• Operates standard and/or automated office equipment such as word processors, typewriters, transcribing software, case management software, photocopies, etc.

Calendaring and Tasks:

• Maintains attorney calendar by accurately recording court dates and appearances as directed. 
• Schedules meetings, depositions, and appointments;
• Assembles documents, reports and information as requested to prepare for meetings;
• Arranges necessary meeting spaces, secures conference rooms as needed;
• Informs participants of meeting dates, times and location; 
• Resolves calendar conflicts by prioritizing and coordinates rescheduling dates as requested; 
• Tasks all deadlines in connection with appearances;
• Tasks all deadlines in course and scope of daily job duties and upcoming assignments;
• Schedules internal conferences related to legal files;

 

Qualifications

 

Education:

Minimum: High School diploma or GED. 

Preferred: Vocational certification or training in the legal field.

Experience:

Minimum: Basic knowledge regarding terminology, discovery, pleadings, civil court deadlines. 

Preferred: Minimum 1-2 years insurance defense or 1-2 years civil litigation experience. Relevant work experience in the legal field; equivalent combination of education and/or experience considered

Knowledge and Skills:

Minimum: Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments; organization skills with an eye for details; ability follow directions; typing minimum 60 wpm; Knowledge of legal terminology and legal document management (e.g., briefs, summonses, complaints, motions, pleadings and discovery). Effective oral and written communication skills with knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation usage; Ability to compose/draft routine pleadings and correspondence; Ability to utilize and process available resources; Detail orientated; Ability to accurately calendar and manage conflicts across multiple calendars; Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook; 

Preferred: Knowledge