Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, a global Am Law 50 firm, has an immediate opening for a Litigation Legal Assistant in our Downtown Los Angeles office.
Job Summary
Sheppard is hiring an experienced, well-organized Litigation Practice Specialist to support litigation attorneys and paralegals in all aspects of cases from initial filing through trial and appeal. This includes assisting with preparing and filing legal documents, calendar and travel management, case management, and billing/expense support. The job requires extensive knowledge of litigation, trial procedures, federal, state and appellate court rules and procedures. Technical, organizational, and administrative skills are necessary to handle the variety of duties and responsibilities outlined below. The position handles multiple projects, often in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, requiring prioritization and flexibility. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role.
Essential Functions
Format, edit, and manage legal documents, including pleadings and discovery.
Schedule and coordinate depositions, court dates, filing deadlines, calendars, appointments, meetings, travel arrangements, and related planning.
Conduct conflict checks and handle new matters, including preparing engagement letters and managing client and case documents.
Ensure that client-matter numbers are opened according to the Firm’s guidelines.
Prepare Partner timesheets, expense summaries/reports, and client bills.
Maintain client confidence by keeping client/attorney information confidential.
Proactively manage casework, ensuring all deadlines are met in a timely manner. Communicate calendar and docket updates to the docketing teams.
Work closely with attorneys and paralegals to prepare and file official correspondence using the Firm’s standards and procedures.
Communicate regularly with the team. Double check work product before presenting to attorney for review and again before sending or filing.
Required Qualifications
A minimum of 7 years of litigation experience in a law firm.
Experience with document productions and e-discovery.
Strong working knowledge of Superior and Federal Courts rules and procedures.
Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.
Possess excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.
Strong attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and excellent time management skills to meet deadlines.
Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is required, plus substantial and relevant work experience. A bachelor's degree or some college is preferred.
Computer/Software Knowledge
Must have proficiency in Windows 10, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and Teams, and experience working with a document management system. Must be able to quickly learn new skills and systems.
Work Environment
Working indoors with limited exposure to hazards (only those that customarily come up with working in a high-rise building).
Indoor office work environment in a cubical or workstation.
The Firm policy is hybrid–working in the office a minimum of 4 days per week and working from home the rest of the week (subject to change).
Overtime may be required as the job duties demand.
California: The salary range for this position is $26.00 - $62.00 per hour.
#LI-CW1 #LI-Associate #LI-Hybrid #LI-Fulltime
We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Sheppard is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.