Legal Assistant

**Overview** Founded in 1965, La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames is a statewide civil litigation firm with multiple offices throughout California. We are seeking an experienced Legal Secretary to join our civil litigation defense practice. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of litigation experience, preferably in medical malpractice defense, and be comfortable managing a busy desk and supporting multiple attorneys. **Position Summary** The Legal assistant performs a broad range of secretarial, administrative, and trial support duties for one or more attorneys. Organizes and maintains all files, calendars/scheduling, and other correspondence relating to litigation and administrative matters under the direct supervision of attorneys. **Essential Duties** * Perform legal and factual research; perform records research * Identify relevant judicial decisions, statutes, legal articles, codes, and other pertinent material; review and monitor new and updated regulations * Organize and analyze information; cross-check and validate information * Prepare written reports and draft legal documents including briefs, appeals, contracts, and legal agreements and correspondence * Help prepare legal arguments, applications, declarations, and motions * Check legal forms and documents for accuracy * Maintain reference files; organize and track case files * Coordinate law office activities such as subpoena deliveries * Locate and communicate with witnesses; interact with clients * Assist the lawyer in the courtroom * Perform other duties as assigned **Qualifications/Requirements** * Bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or certificate program in paralegal studies * Minimum of three years legal experience, ideally in malpractice defense * Equivalent combination of education and/or experience considered * Thorough knowledge of legal principles, legal research techniques, legal terminology, and government regulations * Excellent legal drafting, writing, and verbal communication skills * Excellent interpersonal skills, analytical, and critical thinking skills * Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook * Ability to operate basic office equipment such as a copy machine, fax machine, printer, scanner, and computer * Ability to work with databases and on-line technological platforms * Ability to be detail-oriented, diligent, and flexible * Ability to handle conflicting time demands and focus on task completion with little direction or need for supervisory follow-up * Proficient command of the English language in both oral and written format **Equal Opportunity Employment** LJDFA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants, employees and volunteers, without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Additionally, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment and to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour Application Question(s): * Do you have hands-on legal support litigation experience? If so, how many years of experience do you have? * What types of litigation matters have you handled, and in which areas of law do you have the most experience? * Do you have experience drafting and preparing legal pleadings and discovery shells? If so, please describe the types of pleadings, discovery documents, and other legal documents you have prepared. * Do you have experience with electronic filing (e-filing) and electronic service (e-service) of legal documents? If so, which courts and jurisdictions have you worked with? Work Location: In person