Legal Secretary

Summary

The legal secretary will primarily support the commercial litigation and bankruptcy attorneys.This role enhances attorney efficiency by providing high‑level administrative assistance, facilitating communication, and serving as a professional representative of the attorney(s) to clients and external parties. The position is focused within the bankruptcy practice area.

Key responsibilities include coordinating schedules, drafting legal documents, managing telephone calls and messages, and overseeing case‑related filing projects in collaboration with file clerks when applicable. The ideal candidate demonstrates a team‑oriented mindset, strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to follow instructions, resolve conflicts, and work effectively with a wide range of individuals.

To successfully perform this role, the individual must be proactive, detail‑oriented, and capable of meeting all essential job functions with a high degree of professionalism. The requirements outlined below represent the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

This position is located in the Firm’s Austin, Texas office. 

Essential Duties & Job Responsibilities

• Work effectively under the supervision of assigned attorney(s) and provide comprehensive support to the litigation and bankruptcy practice groups.
• Serve as a professional point of contact by greeting and assisting guests and clients in person and by phone, and directing inquiries appropriately.
• Produce a variety of documents by transcribing, formatting, editing, retrieving, copying, and transmitting text, data, and graphics.
• Enhance attorney efficiency by reviewing, researching, verifying, and routing correspondence, reports, and legal documents; drafting letters and pleadings; gathering and analyzing information; initiating communications; organizing client conferences and attorney meetings; and coordinating couriers, court reporters, expert witnesses, and other special functions. Prepare charts, graphs, and expense reports as needed.
• Maintain attorney calendars by scheduling conferences, depositions, teleconferences, and travel; tracking court appearances, deadlines, pleadings, and filing requirements; and accurately docketing all court‑imposed dates.
• Represent the attorney(s) by communicating with clients and third parties, obtaining necessary information, following up on delegated assignments, and exercising sound judgment to determine when to act independently and when to seek attorney input.
• Assist with the submission of billable time and reimbursable expenses; prepare invoices and communicate with clients regarding billing matters.
• Protect confidentiality by safeguarding all client and attorney information.
• Utilize electronic filing and retrieval systems effectively and oversee file clerks as needed.
• Support department and firm objectives by taking ownership of new tasks, special projects, and process improvements; actively seek opportunities to enhance work product and add value.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of law firm operations, including departmental procedures, workflows, and organizational structure.
• Maintain strong proficiency with electronic filing procedures.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with clients, court personnel, counsel, third parties, private investigators, medical providers, experts, and others, ensuring regular and appropriate follow‑up.
• Exhibit consistent follow‑through, the ability to multi‑task, and strong organizational skills to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, active teamwork, and a collaborative approach in all interactions.
• Provide exceptional customer service and maintain strong interpersonal skills while working within a team environment.
• Perform special projects and additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, or a technical/trade school degree, preferred but not required.
• 3–5 years of experience as a legal secretary in a law firm bankruptcy practice, including hands-on use of ECF and preparation of motions and orders, required.
• 2–3 years of experience as a legal secretary in a law firm litigation practice, required.
• Ability to type a minimum of 65 WPM and demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, as well as Adobe software.
• Experience working with practice and case management systems (e.g., iManage) and timekeeping/billing systems (e.g., Aderant).
• Excellent English communication skills, with the ability to speak, write, read, and interpret information clearly and professionally.
• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Willingness to work additional hours and weekends as needed to meet job demands.
• Dependability and adherence to firm policies, procedures, and required work hours.
• Strong communication, customer service, organizational, time management, and detail‑orientation skills.
• Ability to sit for extended periods at a computer and to bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Proficiency in reading and writing English as required for the role.