Legal jobs in Canada

Hawkins Parnell is seeking a Legal Secretary to join a successful litigation team based in its Santa Ana office, collaborating with the nationwide HPY litigation team. The Legal Secretary performs as a critical member of the team by providing support to 3-5 attorneys with tasks such as document drafting and proofreading, e-filing, calendar management, document production, and other support duties. We are looking for someone who is organized, responsive and has an eye for detail. We value flexibility, the ability to adapt to last‑minute changes, and deadline‑driven individuals. This position is part of a busy, well‑established, highly functioning firm with a proven success record.

HPY offers a competitive salary complemented by a full, comprehensive benefits package including Medical Insurance, Vision Plan, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, 401k, Short and Long Term Disability and Profit Sharing.

Litigation Legal Secretary candidate(s) must have at least two years of experience as a Litigation Legal Secretary or a paralegal in a law firm and must have intermediate to advanced MS Word and Excel skills. Responsibilities will vary, but will include document production, entering attorney time, e‑filing documents with courts, managing calendars of attorneys, preparing hard‑copy materials like trial and mediation binders, scheduling conference calls, arranging meetings and occasional travel, preparing expense reports, and communicating with clients, court officials, and others for attorney(s) and/or paralegal(s) to whom assigned.

The primary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Draft, transcribe, proofread, edit and file court documents and related correspondence, memorandum, pleadings and related documents
• E-file documents with local, state, federal and appellate courts and assist with paper filing in office
• Handle the incoming and outgoing mail for the attorneys supported
• Maintain team and court calendars and keep attorneys aware of scheduled events and approaching deadlines
• Schedule meetings, conference calls, assist with travel arrangements when necessary and reserve conference rooms
• Communicate by phone and email with clients, maintaining professionalism and a high level of customer service at all times
• Enter time and handle billing for assigned timekeepers
• Assist in trial preparation
• Maintain files on a regular basis
• Coordinating travel arrangements and processing expense reports
• Answer and handle incoming phone calls in a professional manner
• Assist fellow workers and/or other timekeepers as needed and requested

Successful candidates will be self‑motivated and able to prioritize, have a high level of organizational skills and possess a strong work ethic. This is a team environment and your legal knowledge, skills and reliability will be rewarded here! Employees are offered a generous benefits package and will work with a great team.

Required Skills and Experience:

• High school diploma required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two or more years of litigation secretarial experience is required. Large to midsize law firm experience is a plus. Insurance/PI/ professional malpractice defense experience is a major plus. Experience with hourly billing and communicating with clients' legal departments and claims adjusters is a major plus.

Practice Areas: Appellate, Bad Faith and Coverage, Banking & Finance, Business/Commercial, Construction, Employee Benefits & ERISA, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), Labor & Employment, Legal Malpractice, Long Term Care & Assisted Living, Medical Malpractice, Municipal Liability, Premises Liability, Product Liability, Professional Negligence, Toxic Tort and Environmental, and Transportation