Legal Secretary

Well-respected Walnut Creek-based law firm is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Litigation Legal Secretary to support its Insurance Defense Litigation practice. This contract-to-hire position offers the opportunity to join a dynamic legal team, assisting attorneys with complex insurance defense matters and ensuring smooth case management.

• Draft, edit, proofread, and finalize legal documents, including pleadings, motions, discovery responses, and correspondence.
• E-file documents with California state and federal courts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with court requirements.
• Organize and maintain physical and digital case files for active and archived matters.
• Manage litigation calendars, tracking court dates, filing deadlines, and other critical milestones.
• Schedule depositions, mediations, hearings, and meetings, coordinating with attorneys, clients, and court personnel.
• Monitor and update attorney calendars to prevent scheduling conflicts.
• Act as a liaison between attorneys, clients, court staff, and opposing counsel.
• Communicate professionally and efficiently to relay case updates, schedule confirmations, and respond to inquiries.
• Handle attorney timekeeping and billing, ensuring timely submission of records.
• Assist with expense reporting, travel arrangements, and office supply management.
• Support new client intake and conflict checks as needed.
• Prepare trial binders, exhibits, and other case materials for hearings or trials.
• Assist with deposition summaries and the organization of discovery documents.
• Coordinate logistics for trial teams, including travel and on-site arrangements.

• 3+ years of experience as a litigation legal secretary, with a focus on insurance defense litigation preferred.
• Proficiency with California state and federal court rules, filing procedures, and litigation processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and legal case management software (e.g., ProLaw, iManage, or similar tools).
• Experience with electronic filing systems for California state and federal courts.
• Familiarity with legal terminology, insurance defense litigation processes, and discovery procedures.
• Understanding of billing practices and time entry for legal services.
• Strong organizational, multitasking, and time management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Professional communication skills, both written and verbal.