Litigation Secretary/Practice Specialist I

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, a global Am Law 50 firm, has an immediate opening for a Litigation Secretary/Practice Specialist I based in our Century City office.

Sheppard Mullin is hiring an experienced, well-organized Litigation Practice Specialist to support the Trust and Estate Practice Group of attorneys and paralegals in all aspects of cases from initial filing through trial and appeal. This includes assisting with preparing and filing legal documents, calendar and travel management, case management, and billing/expense support. The job requires extensive knowledge of litigation, trial procedures, federal, state, and appellate court rules and procedures. Technical, organizational, and administrative skills are necessary to handle the variety of duties and responsibilities outlined below. The position handles multiple projects, often in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, requiring prioritization and flexibility. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role. Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills. A solid work ethic, impeccable attendance and punctuality, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are critical. The ability to maintain client confidentiality and to communicate professionally is mandatory for this position.

Responsibilities

Format, input, edit, retrieve, copy, scan, and transmit legal documentsPrepare pleadings and discovery documents for filing and serviceeFiling – State and FederalCreate pleading/discovery binders, indexing and filing documents, organize and file case documentsCompile and organize client tax documentsEditing ContractsBusiness IntakesUtilize docketing/calendaring department to track court and filing deadlinesAttorney timesheets, expense summaries, and client billsAssists with overflow work and other projects as assignedMailingsMaintain client confidenceType 75+ WPM and have excellent spelling, grammar and punctuation skillsAbility to learn new skills and systems quickly

Essential Functions Of Job

Format, edit, and manage legal documents, including pleadings and discoverySchedule and coordinate depositions, court dates, filing deadlines, calendars, appointments, meetings, travel arrangements, and related planningConduct conflict checks and handle new matters, including preparing engagement letters and managing client and case documentsEnsure that client-matter numbers are opened according to the Firm’s guidelinesPrepare Partner timesheets, expense summaries/reports, and client billsMaintain client confidence by keeping client/attorney information confidentialProactively manage casework, ensuring all deadlines are met in a timely mannerCommunicate calendar and docket updates to the docketing teamsWork closely with attorneys and paralegals to prepare and file official correspondence using the Firm’s standards and proceduresCommunicate regularly with the team. Double check work product before presenting to attorney for review and again before sending or filing

Required Qualifications

Minimum 3-5+ years of experience as a litigation secretary in a law firm environmentCommensurate work experience will be considered Understanding of the litigation life cycle Familiar with procedural rules including but not limited to California Rules of Civil Procedure, related Local Rules and CA State and local various County Rules Engaged with current litigation events, cases, decisions and updates to rules Ability to proofread materials for contextual, grammatical, typographical, or spelling errorsAbility to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently in a fast-paced environment.Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.Possess excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.Strong attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and excellent time management skills to meet deadlines.

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is required, plus substantial and relevant work experience. A bachelor's degree or some college is preferred.

Computer/Software Knowledge

Required: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, as well as document management (NetDocs). Some knowledge of Relativity, NetDocs, DocketBird, Trial Director, Westlaw, and Lexis Nexis. Candidate must have the ability to learn new skills and systems quickly.

Work Environment

Overtime will be required on occasion as the workload requires.Current Firm policy is hybrid–working in the office a minimum of three days per week, and working from home the rest of the week (subject to change).

California: The pay range for this position is $26.00 to $62.00 per hour.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Sheppard Mullin is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.