Job Description
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Legal Secretary to join our litigation team. The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of Delaware court systems — including the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware and the Delaware Court of Chancery — and will be proficient in electronic filing platforms including PACER and File & Serve. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, the ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced litigation environment, and a proactive approach to supporting attorneys through all phases of complex litigation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Litigation Support
• Provide comprehensive secretarial and administrative support throughout all stages of litigation, including pre-suit investigation, discovery, motion practice, trial preparation, and post-trial proceedings.
• Prepare, format, proofread, and finalize a broad range of litigation documents, including pleadings, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, subpoenas, stipulations, and proposed orders.
• Maintain and organize case files, both physical and electronic, ensuring documents are accurately indexed and readily accessible.
• Coordinate and schedule depositions, hearings, mediations, and court appearances; prepare attorney materials and logistical arrangements accordingly.
• Track and manage critical deadlines and docketing obligations using case management and calendaring systems.
• Assist attorneys with trial preparation, including preparation of trial binders, exhibit lists, witness lists, and jury instructions.
Electronic Filing — PACER & File & Serve
• Perform electronic filing of documents in federal court using the PACER/CM-ECF system, ensuring strict compliance with local rules, standing orders, and technical requirements.
• Execute electronic filing through File & Serve (or File & ServeXpress) for state court matters, including proper service on all parties.
• Monitor docket entries and case activity through PACER; retrieve and distribute filed documents and docket reports to attorneys in a timely manner.
• Troubleshoot and resolve common e-filing issues; maintain working knowledge of updates to e-filing platforms and applicable court rules.
• Verify service of process and maintain accurate certificates of service in accordance with court requirements.
Delaware Court Procedures
• Apply working knowledge of local rules, procedures, and practices of the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, including Judge-specific standing orders and courtroom procedures.
• Apply working knowledge of Delaware Court of Chancery rules, including electronic filing procedures through the File & ServeXpress platform, formatting requirements for Court of Chancery filings, and the Court's unique procedural requirements.
• Coordinate with the Clerk's Office and chambers as appropriate; understand and adhere to court-specific requirements for courtesy copies, proposed orders, and related filings.
• Monitor changes to Delaware court rules and standing orders; notify attorneys promptly of any updates affecting pending or upcoming filings.
General Administrative Duties
• Manage attorney calendars, including scheduling, reminders, and updates related to court deadlines and litigation milestones.
• Handle incoming and outgoing correspondence, including preparation of cover letters, transmittal letters, and service copies.
• Communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, court personnel, and third-party vendors.
• Perform general office duties including copying, scanning, faxing, mailing, and organizing legal files.
• Assist with billing tasks including time entry review, invoice preparation, and expense tracking as needed.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience as a Legal Secretary or Legal Administrative Assistant in a litigation practice.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with PACER/CM-ECF electronic filing in federal court.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with File & Serve or File & ServeXpress for state court e-filing.
• Direct experience filing in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware and/or the Delaware Court of Chancery.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel); experience with legal document management systems (e.g., iManage, NetDocuments) a plus.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate, professionally formatted legal documents.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with docketing and deadline management software (e.g., CompuLaw, Deadlines On Demand).
• Experience supporting attorneys in complex commercial litigation, corporate litigation, or equity matters in the Court of Chancery.
• Familiarity with Delaware Chancery Court procedures specific to corporate governance and M&A-related disputes.
• Associate’s degree, paralegal certificate, or equivalent legal education preferred.