[Hiring] Legal Secretary I @Mercury Insurance Services

Role Description

This role provides secretarial and administrative support to professional legal staff. Demonstrates thorough degree of legal knowledge, competence and secretarial skills. Prepares and files legal documents, motions, pleadings and correspondence of a legal nature as directed. Maintains attorneys calendar, sets court dates and appearances, and schedules meetings with witnesses and other involved parties. Maintains department records. May be required to support up to as many as three litigation attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with Attorney to:
• Draft letters and legal documents;
• Prepare and assemble documents, including necessary transmittal forms and envelopes, in proper format;
• Complete typing and word processing assignments and documents of legal nature, including correspondence, pleadings, subpoenas, and related documents;
• Prepares documents for filing with Court;
• Produces quality written communication, corrects and edits documents to ensure final copy conveys proper format and is correct in detail;
• Prepares Answers, Cross-Complaints, discovery and all pleadings as directed by the handling attorney;
• Maintains transcripts, documents and evidence;
• Handle files with minimal exposure and complexity; typical soft-tissue injury claims with no risk;
• Maintains record of claims and legal documents and case activity;
• Works with attorney to assist in work flow processes;
• Coordinates legal services such as court reporting, copying and delivery agencies;
• Assures all work is prepared and timely submitted without delay;
• Has complete understanding of court deadlines, Rules of Court, requirements for processing documents and all office and court processes;
• Handles routine correspondence and inquiries with attorneys, clients, adjusters, courts, etc. through written or telephone communications skills;
• Communicates with claims, opposing counsel and clients regarding legal file;
• Carries out day to day activities in a logical and effective manner and completes work assignments promptly;
• Schedules court reporters, expert witnesses and other experts for testimony at depositions and trial;
• Classifies, sorts and files correspondence, articles, records and other documents;
• Operates standard and/or automated office equipment such as word processors, typewriters, transcribing software, case management software, photocopiers, etc.
• Maintains attorney calendar by accurately recording court dates and appearances as directed.
• Schedules meetings, depositions, and appointments;
• Assembles documents, reports and information as requested to prepare for meetings;
• Arranges necessary meeting spaces, secures conference rooms as needed;
• Informs participants of meeting dates, times and location;
• Resolves calendar conflicts by prioritizing and coordinating rescheduling dates as requested;
• Tasks all deadlines in connection with appearances;
• Tasks all deadlines in course and scope of daily job duties and upcoming assignments;
• Schedules internal conferences related to legal files;
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities;
• Reads and understands professional publications regarding changes in Court rules and procedures;
• Keeps current regarding changes in Court procedures and policies.

Qualifications

• Minimum: High School diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Vocational certification or training in the legal field.
• Minimum: Basic knowledge regarding terminology, discovery, pleadings, civil court deadlines.
• Preferred: Minimum 1-2 years insurance defense or 1-2 years civil litigation experience. Relevant work experience in the legal field; equivalent combination of education and/or experience considered.
• Minimum: Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments; organization skills with an eye for details; ability to follow directions; typing minimum 60 wpm; Knowledge of legal terminology and legal document management (e.g., briefs, summonses, complaints, motions, pleadings and discovery).
• Effective oral and written communication skills with knowledge of correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation usage;
• Ability to compose/draft routine pleadings and correspondence;
• Ability to utilize and process available resources;
• Detail oriented;
• Ability to accurately calendar and manage conflicts across multiple calendars;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook;
• Preferred: Knowledge of federal and state court rules and e-filing procedures, familiarity with litigation management software systems, ability to be flexible to adapt and act quickly when urgent matters require it, Trial experience.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States for most positions
• Paid time off (vacation time, sick time, 9 paid Company holidays, volunteer hours)
• Incentive bonus programs (potential for holiday bonus, referral bonus, and performance-based bonus)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance
• 401 (k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Engaging work environment
• Promotional opportunities
• Education assistance
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Company recognition program
• Health and wellbeing resources, including free mental wellbeing therapy/coaching sessions, child and eldercare resources, and more