Litigation Assistant

Murphy, Pearson, Bradley & Feeney; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Murphy, Pearson, Bradley & Feeney in Los Angeles seeks an experienced Litigation Assistant/Legal Secretary to support a busy litigation team. The role includes document preparation, court filings, trial preparation, and managing calendars for multiple attorneys.

Hybrid or remote work options may be available with Firm-provided systems. The candidate will handle e-filing, ensure deadlines are met, and coordinate with clients, vendors, and opposing counsel.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of civil litigation experience including discovery, trial, and docketing requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; ability to draft pleadings and track changes in Word.
• Experience in a high-volume, deadline-driven legal environment is strongly preferred.
• Support and assist a minimum of three attorneys.
• Ability to work independently and proactively; manage multiple tasks.
• Adherence to firm policies; reliable attendance and confidentiality in hybrid/remote settings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare legal documents with correct formatting per local court rules.
• Submit e-filing and hard copy filings to courts.
• Maintain and update team case lists and trial lists weekly.
• Send client correspondence and documents promptly.
• Assist with trial prep: binders, indices, and exhibits.
• Schedule conference rooms and arrange technology for meetings.
• Communicate with clients, vendors, and opposing counsel.
• Update ProLaw matters with accurate case information and codes.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Proofreading

Time management

Multitasking

Professional communication

Tools

ProLaw

Microsoft Outlook

Westlaw Form Builders

Kofax Power

Microsoft Word

Job description

We are a busy, mid-sized firm seeking an experienced Litigation Assistant/Legal Secretary for our Los Angeles office.

Primary Responsibilities

Document Preparation, Filings, Trial Preparation

• Prepare legal documents using correct formatting, based on local rules of the court
• Submit e-filing and hard copy filings with courts
• Manage and update team case list and trial list on a weekly basis
• Timely send correspondence and client documents
• Assist with trial preparation including, but not limited to, binders, indices and exhibits
• Schedule conference rooms for client meetings and depositions; arrange technology requirements
• Communicate with clients, vendors and opposing counsel
• Keep current with Insurance Litigation Guidelines
• Process invoices and submit to accounting department for payment
• Copy, scan, print and fax documents
• These are essential functions requiring the ability to perform work accurately under strict court deadlines, maintain sustained concentration, and manage multiple time-sensitive tasks simultaneously.
• Requires the ability to review, draft, and proofread legal documents for extended periods (both on-screen and, for in-office work, in hard copy), with a high degree of accuracy.
• For hybrid or remote roles, employees must be able to perform these essential duties effectively using Firm-provided or approved technology and systems.
• Calendaring all events in ProLaw and Microsoft Outlook
• Ability to calculate legal deadlines in accordance with statutory local, state, federal and appellate rules
• Apprise and remind attorneys and all necessary team members of deadlines and appearances
• This is an essential function. Errors in calendaring may have significant legal consequences; therefore, consistent accuracy, reliability, and timely communication are required.

Knowledge of ProLaw is a plus

• Responsible for updating ProLaw matters, including utilizing the correct codes and categories for saving documents, and incorporating accurate case information with the correct party names and filings
• Saving of client-related documents and emails into ProLaw File Management
• Keep files updated and current and in electronic format
• Open and close out files according to firm policy, ensuring legal requirements are met
• Create pleading templates on Westlaw Form Builders
• Requires the ability to learn, retain, and consistently apply firm systems, policies, and procedures across all work environments (in-person, hybrid, or remote).

Skills

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and attention-to-detail
• Strong communication, grammar, proofreading and time management
• Communicate with attorneys regarding progress on tasks, confirm priorities if necessary
• Perform other duties as needed based on practice area and firm demands
• Knowledge of Kofax Power or Adobe pdf editing software, a plus
• Requires effective, professional communication in person, via telephone, and through electronic platforms (e.g., email, video conferencing, and collaboration tools).

Experience

• At least three years of experience in all phases of civil litigation (discovery, trial, appeals): Understanding of litigation, local, state, federal and administrative rules, law and motion and related docketing requirements
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite - experience creating initial drafts of pleadings, tracking changes in Word, scheduling and managing appointments in Outlook
• Prior experience performing substantially similar duties in a high-volume, deadline-driven legal environment is strongly preferred due to the essential nature of the role.
• Support and assist a minimum of three attorneys
• Ability to work independently and proactively
• Flexibility and ability to multi-task
• Adherence to Firm's policies and procedures
• Regular and reliable attendance, responsiveness, and the ability to maintain consistent productivity are essential job functions, regardless of work arrangement (in-person, hybrid, or remote).
• Employees in hybrid or remote roles must maintain a work environment that is free from distractions and allows for confidentiality of client information.
• Work location (in-person, hybrid, or remote) will be determined by the Firm and may be modified based on business needs, performance, or policy compliance. Employees must perform work from their approved primary work location and may not work from alternative locations without prior authorization.

General Office

• Maintain common areas (front desk, conference rooms, kitchen/breakroom) (Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Seattle roles)
• Sorting and distributing incoming packages, faxes and deliveries (Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Seattle roles)
• In-person or hybrid roles, may require light to moderate physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting/carrying files or office supplies up to approximately 20 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

We are an equal opportunity employer and offer a professional work environment with a competitive salary and benefits package.

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $43.58-$53.84 per hour ($85,000-$105,000 annually). The final compensation offered within this range will be based on job-related factors, including the candidate's experience.

The annual range is based on a full-time schedule of 37.50 hours per week.

We provide employer subsidized health benefits that include Medical (HMO, PPO and Kaiser option), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Long-term Disability, 401(k) & matching. We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care), Commuter Pre-Tax (Transit and Parking) and Paid Parental leave.

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.

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

***We are not working with Recruiters at this time please do not send unsolicited resumes.***