Legal Secretary

Fisher Phillips - Dallas, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

Dallas, TX

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

At Fisher Phillips, we recognize that exceptional talent is the cornerstone of our success in delivering top-notch service to our clients. As a Legal Secretary in our Dallas office, you will be part of a dynamic team that leverages cutting-edge technology in a professional yet enjoyable environment. Our leadership is committed to investing in your professional development, making this an ideal opportunity for individuals with a growth mindset who are eager to challenge themselves and contribute to ongoing change within the firm. In this role, you will support a set of attorneys by providing essential secretarial and administrative assistance, performing complex and specialized tasks, and collaborating effectively in a team-oriented setting. Your primary responsibilities will include ensuring the delivery of quality legal services to clients, managing correspondence, and maintaining organized files. You will also provide backup support to other attorneys as needed, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and accurately. Your day-to-day activities will involve a variety of responsibilities, including answering phone calls, greeting clients, managing mail, conducting legal research, e-filing, preparing pleadings, and maintaining accurate billing records. You will be expected to draft standard legal documents, proofread materials for accuracy, and manage deadlines and appointments for your assigned attorneys. Additionally, you will assist with business development activities and ensure compliance with continuing legal education requirements. This position requires a proactive approach to anticipating the needs of attorneys and clients, as well as the ability to juggle multiple assignments while maintaining professionalism and a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service by answering main phone lines and directing calls, as well as greeting clients and vendors.
• Ensure that mail is sent out of the office, including regular mail, certified mail, or overnight mail.
• Perform legal research and e-filings, prepare pleadings notebooks, update indexes, and prepare exhibits.
• Maintain and organize files in an orderly manner and draft standard pleadings, correspondence, memoranda, and other documents.
• Review and ensure accuracy of vendor invoices; prepare accurate check requests and submit invoices for payment.
• Participate in the timely review and submission of prebills and/or client bills, applying client-specific billing guidelines.
• Accurately file court documents both electronically and in document form, following local or judge-specific requirements.
• Provide friendly and helpful telephone support and receptionist relief as needed.
• Proofread all documents to ensure accuracy and completeness prior to distribution or filing.
• Anticipate the needs of assigned attorneys to promote timekeeper efficiencies, including drafting correspondence and preparing shell pleadings in advance.
• Coordinate and make necessary arrangements for meetings, depositions, mediations, and interviews.
• Assist assigned attorneys with completing and tracking CLE compliance and organizing non-billable activities.
• Prepare and submit client intake forms and update client files, notebooks, and pleading indices regularly.
• Maintain attorney-specific case lists, charts, and status of cases and outcomes, and manage audit requests effectively.
• Update all applicable contact records and file client-related emails in a timely manner.
• Prioritize work assignments and seek assistance when conflicts arise, ensuring tasks are completed on time.
• Juggle multiple assignments and deadlines while maintaining a professional demeanor and offering assistance to others when needed.

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma required (College degree preferred).
• Minimum of five years of experience as a legal secretary required.
• Proficiency in Lexis Nexis, Pacer, ECF, Desksite or document management system, CompuLaw, Concur, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills, responding promptly to attorney and client requests.
• Dependability in following instructions and completing tasks on time.
• Professionalism in treating others with respect and reacting well under pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to building a positive team spirit.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legal terminology, legal documents, and legal processes in the Litigation Department.
• Accurate typing at a net speed of 65+ wpm (shorthand/speedwriting a plus).
• Strong computer proficiency in MS Office and document management systems.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with legal terminology and processes in the Litigation Department.
• Familiarity with document management systems and e-filing procedures.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Profit sharing
• Long-term disability
• Optional benefits such as critical care, accident and hospital indemnity insurance, student loan refinancing program, life insurance for dependents, and pet insurance.