Legal Secretary - Defense Litigation

Hinshaw & Culbertson•St. Louis, MO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Legal Secretary provides advanced administrative and litigation support to attorneys practicing in defense litigation. The role requires extensive knowledge of state and federal court procedures, litigation deadlines, e-filing requirements, and legal document preparation. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced defense litigation environment while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality. The position follows a hybrid schedule and requires working in the St. Louis, Missouri office three times per week.

Requirements

At least five years of legal litigation secretarial experience.
Strong organizational skills.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, office procedures, rules, and regulations.
Competency with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, and relevant software applications.
Knowledge of state and federal court rules, including e-filing and applicable local rules relating to litigation.
Effective and accurate oral and written communication skills.
Ability to correctly apply departmental rules, complex regulations, and procedures.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and a high degree of attention to detail.
Ability to work under pressure and meet time-sensitive demands.
Ability to proofread and edit routine law office documents.
Ability to transcribe legal documents, correspondence, and reports from drafts or dictation at 70 words per minute.
Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks and complete them within time constraints.
Problem-solving skills and ability to work well in a team environment.
Ability to periodically work overtime to perform essential duties.
Interpersonal and customer service skills to communicate professionally with and follow instructions from diverse clients, external entities, attorneys, management, and staff.
Ability to work in the St. Louis, Missouri office three times per week under the current hybrid schedule.

Responsibilities

Prepare, edit, and file legal documents, including letters, memoranda, pleadings, motions, discovery, agreements, and subpoenas.
File documents with courts, including through e-filing systems.
Transcribe materials from electronic dictation, tapes, and handwritten documents.
Update and maintain databases, including email lists, iCreate information, and client matter lists.
Read, distribute, and electronically file incoming mail for assigned attorneys.
Open new files, check conflicts of interest, and maintain client and general files.
Periodically review files for possible closure or off-site storage.
Greet clients and visitors and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
Maintain positive client relations and provide customer service while preserving the confidentiality of attorney-client relationships.
Establish and maintain calendars and deadline reminder systems; record court and deposition dates.
Coordinate with attorneys, secretaries, and docketing personnel to ensure calendar accuracy.
Schedule appointments and arrange business travel.
Communicate deadlines, attorney travel plans, and other relevant information to administrative support staff.
Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.