Legal Secretary I

Overview

Entry level position that provides secretarial and administrative support to professional legal staff. Demostrates thorough degree of legal knowledge, compentence and secretarial skills. Prepares and files legal documents, motions, pleadings and coorespondence 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.

Geo-Salary Information

An in-person interview may be required during the hiring process

State specific pay scales for this role are as follows:

$XX to $XX (CA, NJ, NY, WA, HI, AK, MD, CT, RI, MA)

$XX to $XX (NV, OR, AZ, CO, WY, TX, ND, MN, MO, IL, WI, FL, GA, MI, OH, VA, PA, DE, VT, NH, ME)

$XX to $XX (UT, ID, MT, NM, SD, NE, KS, OK, IA, AR, LA, MS, AL, TN, KY, IN, SC, NC, WV)

The expected base salary for this position will vary depending on a number of factors, including relevant experience, skills and location.

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 cooresopndence, pleadings, subpoenas, and related documents.
• Prepares documents for filing with Court; 
• Produces quality written communication, corrects and edits documents to ensure final copy conveys propery 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 inquires with attorneys, clients, adjusters, courts, etc. through written or telephone communcations 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, sort and file correspondence, articles, records and other documents;
• Operates standard and/or automated office equipment such as word processors, typewriters, transcribing software, case management software, photocopies, etc.

Calendaring and Tasks:

• 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 coordinates 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;

Continuing Professional Knowledge and

Qualifications

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.

Education:

Minimum: High School diploma or GED. 

Preferred: Vocational certification or training in the legal field.

Experience:

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

Knowledge and Skills:

Minimum: Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments; organization skills with an eye for details; ability 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 orientated; 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 

About the Company

Why choose a career at Mercury?

At Mercury, we have been guided by our purpose to help people reduce risk and overcome unexpected events for more than 60 years. We are one team with a common goal to help others. Everyone needs insurance and we can’t imagine a world without it.

Our team will encourage you to grow, make time to have fun, and work together to make great things happen. We embrace the strengths and values of each team member. We believe in having diverse perspectives where everyone is included, to serve customers from all walks of life.

We care about our people, and we mean it. We reward our talented professionals with a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a variety of benefits to help our team members reach their health, retirement, and professional goals.

Learn more about us here: https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/about/careers

Perks and Benefits

We offer many great benefits, including:

• 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

Mercury Insurance is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Pay Range