What are the responsibilities and job description for the Legal Secretary / Paralegal – Small Litigation & Real Estate Law Firm position at Law Office of Wendy M. Crowther?
We are seeking a Legal Secretary / Paralegal to join our small, busy law firm in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. The position will focus primarily on civil litigation support and general administrative responsibilities, with opportunities to assist across the firm's varied practice areas.
Our practice is concentrated in real estate, estate planning, estate litigation, and civil litigation, with occasional matters involving attorney malpractice, business formation, employment negotiations, and insurance disputes. The successful candidate will work closely with the attorney and an existing paralegal who primarily handles real estate and estate administration matters.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal secretary or paralegal who enjoys working in a small-firm environment, takes pride in producing accurate and polished work, and is comfortable handling a variety of responsibilities.
Responsibilities
Litigation Support:
- Prepare, format, and proofread legal documents, including retainer agreements, complaints, answers, discovery demands and responses, motions, correspondence, and other pleadings and filings.
- Assist with preparation and organization of discovery.
- Maintain litigation files and case calendars.
- Assist with electronic court filings and other litigation-related administrative tasks.
- Conduct legal research and assist with preparation of documents and case materials as needed.
- Review and organize incoming documents and correspondence.
- Assist with client intake and gathering information and documentation from prospective and existing clients.
Administrative & Office Support:
- Answer and direct incoming telephone calls.
- Monitor and respond to or route emails.
- Maintain organized electronic and physical client files.
- Assist with monthly billing and timekeeping.
- Manage correspondence, documents, and other routine office tasks.
- Assist with scheduling and general case management.
- Provide administrative support to the attorney and, when appropriate, the firm's existing paralegal.
Qualifications & Skills
Required:
- Prior experience working in a law office as a legal secretary, paralegal, or similar legal support role.
- Litigation experience.
- Strong written communication and proofreading skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat.
- Familiarity with New Jersey eCourts.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
- Professional and courteous communication skills when interacting with clients, attorneys, courts, and other professionals.
Preferred, but not required:
- Experience with PracticePanther case management and billing software.
- Familiarity with LexisNexis and Lexis Protégé.
- Real estate law experience.
- Experience with estate planning, estate administration.
- Experience using AI tools to assist with legal research, drafting, organization, or other office tasks.
- Current New Jersey Notary Public commission.
A candidate who is not currently a New Jersey notary but is willing to obtain a notary commission is encouraged to apply.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a dependable, detail-oriented professional who is comfortable taking ownership of day-to-day responsibilities in a small law office. We are looking for someone who can move comfortably between litigation support, client communication, administrative work, and general office needs.
Because we are a small practice, flexibility, initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to anticipate what needs to be done are particularly valuable. We are looking for someone who is willing to learn, asks questions when necessary, and takes pride in the quality and accuracy of their work.
Experience with every aspect of our practice is not expected. Real estate experience is a plus, but it is not required, and we are willing to train the right candidate in areas where additional experience is needed.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 18.0 – 24.0 per week
Benefits:
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience with New Jersey eCourts?
Experience:
- Litigation: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Certified Notary Public (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $25