Legal Assistant - Litigation Support

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 19,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional development and training

Friendly and supportive workAtmosphere

Job summary

Placements24 has partnered with a well-established law firm in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, seeking a Legal Assistant to support the Litigation department. You will manage case files, draft legal documents, and coordinate communication between lawyers, clients, and the courts.

The role demands high organization, accuracy, and confidentiality. The ideal candidate has a Diploma in Legal Assistance or Paralegal Studies and at least 3 years of litigation experience, with proficiency in Microsoft Office

Qualifications

• Diploma in Legal Assistance, Paralegal Studies or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Legal Assistant or Paralegal with a litigation focus.
• Proficiency in legal terminology and court procedures in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in managing litigation case files from initiation to closure.
• Prepare, file, and serve legal documents including pleadings, motions and subpoenas.
• Organize and maintain case files with accurate indexing and accessibility.
• Conduct preliminary legal research for case preparation.
• Schedule court dates, appointments and client consultations.
• Communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, opposing counsel and court personnel.
• Assist with document discovery and Bates numbering.
• Transcribe proceedings and draft routine correspondence.
• Manage timekeeping and billing records for assigned cases.
• Provide general administrative support to the litigation team.

Skills

Legal office skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Diploma in Legal Assistance or Paralegal Studies

Tools

Legal case management software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established law firm in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, is seeking a dedicated and organized Legal Assistant to provide comprehensive support to their Litigation department. This role is crucial for the efficient operation of the department, involving the management of case files, drafting legal documents, and coordinating communication between lawyers, clients, and the courts. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, possess excellent administrative skills, and have a keen eye for detail. You will play a key role in assisting attorneys with case preparation, discovery processes, and trial support. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual passionate about the legal field to gain valuable experience within a supportive professional environment. We are committed to nurturing talent and offering a stable career path within the legal services sector in Queenstown. Your contribution will be essential in ensuring smooth case management and timely legal proceedings. The firm prides itself on its professional service and commitment to justice.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in managing litigation case files from initiation to closure.
• Prepare, file, and serve legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and subpoenas.
• Organize and maintain case files, ensuring all documents are accurately indexed and accessible.
• Conduct preliminary legal research and gather relevant information for case preparation.
• Schedule appointments, court dates, and client consultations.
• Communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, opposing counsel, and court personnel.
• Assist with document discovery, including Bates numbering and document review.
• Transcribe legal proceedings and draft routine correspondence.
• Manage timekeeping and billing records for assigned cases.
• Provide general administrative support to the litigation team as needed.

Requirements

• Diploma in Legal Assistance, Paralegal Studies, or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Legal Assistant or Paralegal, with a focus on litigation.
• Proficiency in legal terminology and court procedures in South Africa.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Familiarity with legal case management software is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Discretion and ability to handle confidential information.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Contributions towards medical aid and a provident fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A friendly and supportive work atmosphere in Queenstown, Eastern Cape.
• Exposure to a diverse range of litigation matters.
• Standard annual leave and public holidays.