Prestigious Law Firm in Houston, Texas seeks a Legal Secretary to join growing firm.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Manage and maintain a current and complete client/matter file.
- Analyze and report on metrics regarding parties, Courts, Judges, motions outcomes and litigation milestones.
- Prepare discovery requests and responses, subpoenas, deposition notices, cover motions, declarations, proposed orders, exhibit appendices and correspondence.
- Assist with document collection processes and oversee document production.
- E-file documents in various courts, including but not limited to Texas Federal and State Courts, 5th Court of Appeals and Texas Supreme Court.
- Perform factual and legal cite checking of motions and briefs utilizing the Blue Book and other key cite checking authorities.
- Assemble shell drafts of patent disclosures, including but not limited to Proposed Claim Terms & Constructions, Infringement Contentions, Invalidity Contentions, and Claim Construction briefs.
- Prepare materials for and assist attorneys with court proceedings including but not limited to hearings, depositions, arbitration, and trial.
- Coordinate with external vendors to source competitive bids.
- Other projects as assigned by the DTS Manager, DTS practice group leader, partner-in-charge or Office Administrator.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Paralegal Certificate from ABA accredited program preferred.
- Minimum 6 years of experience in a large law firm environment, preferably within a general litigation and/or intellectual property litigation practice.
- Commensurate work experience will be considered.
- Understanding of the litigation life cycle and the timeline of patent disclosures.
- Familiar with procedural rules including but not limited to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, related Local Rules, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Patent Local Rules.
- Engaged with current litigation events, cases, decisions and updates to rules.
- Experience using Microsoft productivity tools (Intermediate/Advanced): Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word. Experience with FileSite is a plus.
- Proficient with software including but not limited to document management software/iManage, TextMap, Relativity, Lex Machina, Docket Navigator, Westlaw, Lexis, PacerPro, Sanction, and Trial Director.
- Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
- Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail.
- Ability to proofread typed material for contextual, grammatical, typographical or spelling errors. Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
- Interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate in person, by e-mail and telephone and provide information with ordinary courtesy and tact.
- Ability to follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of clients, lawyers and staff.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computer, scanner, and photocopiers.
- Must have experience as a timekeeper.
- Ability to travel to private and public buildings, locally and nationwide, via private or public conveyance to assist lawyers in attending to client needs on legal matters.
- Knowledge of the principles and procedures of legal research.
- Knowledge of legal contract, agreement and settlement procedures and documentation.
- Read, write and speak English at the college level.
- Position requires working at a computer substantial periods of time, as well as walking, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds.
- Must be available for overtime as needed. Work regularly requires more than the standard work week to perform the essential duties of the position.
Core Competencies:
- Must be reliable and a self-starter.
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
- Ability to work well in high pressure environments.
- Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks to perform essential duties of the position under time constraints and with frequent interruptions.
- Ability to organize and manage large volumes of data.
- Ability to self-manage, anticipate and delegate responsibilities as necessary.
- Ability to work well with internal and external clients and build relationships with individuals at all levels of an organization.
- Strong organizational skills, problem solving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong work ethic, high degree of integrity and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
- Willingness to take full ownership of assignments.