Legal Assistant

Buchalter; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Buchalter in San Diego is seeking a Legal Assistant to support a litigation team with document prep, scheduling, and client communication.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, discreet, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while handling sensitive matters. Overtime may be required; hybrid in-office and remote days are permitted.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; Bachelor's degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of litigation experience supporting multiple attorneys.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with iManage or similar legal document management software.
• Familiarity with legal terminology and processes.
• Hybrid policy: four remote workdays per month, in-office in San Diego.
• Overtime may be required.

Responsibilities

• Draft, format, proofread, and finalize legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery responses.
• File documents with courts electronically, ensuring deadlines and procedures are met.
• Serve as a professional point of contact for clients, opposing counsel, court personnel, and vendors.
• Respond to inquiries and relay accurate messages to attorneys promptly.
• Manage attorneys’ calendars, coordinating court dates, depositions, and client meetings.
• Schedule and confirm appointments with clients, witnesses, and court reporters.
• Prepare expense reports and manage billing-related documentation.
• Monitor deadlines and follow up on outstanding tasks to ensure timely completion.
• Ad-hoc administrative assignments as needed.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Legal terminology

Communication

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

iManage

Job description

The Legal Assistant is a critical member of the litigation team, providing high-level administrative and organizational support to multiple litigation attorneys. This role ensures the smooth and efficient management of legal cases by assisting with document preparation, case coordination, scheduling, and communication with clients and court officials. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment while handling sensitive legal matters with the utmost discretion.

Essential Functions:

The following list of responsibilities for this position includes but is not limited to:

• Draft, format, proofread, and finalize legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and discovery responses.
• File documents with courts electronically, ensuring compliance with state and federal filing deadlines and procedures.
• Serve as a professional point of contact for clients, opposing counsel, court personnel, and vendors.
• Respond to inquiries and relay accurate messages to attorneys promptly.
• Manage attorneys’ calendars, coordinating court dates, depositions, client meetings, and other key deadlines.
• Schedule and confirm appointments with clients, witnesses, and court reporters.
• Prepare expense reports and manage billing-related documentation.
• Monitor deadlines and follow up on outstanding tasks to ensure timely completion.
• Ad-hoc administrative assignments as needed.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Bachelor’s degree is a plus.
• 5+ years of litigation experience, preferably supporting multiple attorneys in a mid-size to large law firm or a similar environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with legal document management software, such as iManage.
• Familiarity with legal terminology, processes, and protocols.
• The Firm hybrid policy allows for four remote workdays per month (subject to change). The remaining days require in-office attendance in the San Diego office.
• The office environment is professional, collaborative, and focused on supporting high-stakes legal work in a law firm.
• Overtime may be required on an as-needed basis.