Haynes and Boone, LLP is hiring: Legal Secretary in California

Overview

Join to apply for the Legal Secretary role at Haynes and Boone, LLP.

The Orange County office serves California’s premier technology industries with strong practices in intellectual property, corporate matters, and major litigation. The team values diverse perspectives and teamwork, with engineers or technical backgrounds common among California-based lawyers to support IP work.

Salary

The expected salary range for this position is $80,000.00–$115,000.00. Final offer varies based on experience and skillset.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive day-to-day support to multiple attorneys in a busy litigation practice (partners and associates).
• Draft, format, revise, and finalize a variety of legal documents, including pleadings, discovery, correspondence, and shell templates.
• Handle electronic filing in state and federal courts (California Superior Court and U.S. District Courts).
• Manage attorney calendars and monitor court deadlines using docketing software.
• Prepare and organize materials for depositions, hearings, trials, and other key litigation events.
• Coordinate service of process, court filings, and other time-sensitive tasks.
• Assist with administrative support, including expense reports, time entry, travel arrangements, and document management.

Other Roles

• Assist summer associates, visiting attorneys, and attorneys needing back-up or special project assistance; perform other related duties as needed.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports directly to the Office Administrator and works closely with assigned attorneys across various levels.

Qualifications

Knowledge/Experience

• 5–7 years of solid litigation secretarial experience with strong knowledge of state and federal court rules, formatting requirements, and electronic filing.
• Familiarity with local court rules and ability to research venue-specific requirements.
• Prior experience in a mid-size to large law firm preferred.
• Understanding of general office procedures and litigation terminology.
• Experience with e-filing via ECF, PACER, and Secretary of State databases.
• Proficiency with firm systems (NetDocuments, Chrome River, Elite 3E, Compulaw) and electronic calendaring.
• Experience handling expense reports, billing, multi-line phones, conflict checks, new matter intake, and using a CRM like InterAction is valued.
• Ability to support multiple attorneys across offices and practice areas including complex litigation, labor and employment, and IP.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with strong proofreading skills and professional demeanor.
• Strong client service and phone etiquette with direct client interaction.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines and case files.
• Ability to prioritize, stay calm under pressure, and maintain confidentiality.
• Collaborative mindset with a can-do attitude.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Skills

• Advanced technical skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint; familiarity with CompareDocs, Adobe Acrobat Pro, DocuSign, and Compulaw.
• Strong in legal document formatting, including Tables of Contents and Tables of Authorities.
• Knowledge of legal filing systems and litigation record-keeping practices.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication with strong grammar and professional etiquette.
• Comfort with tools like Cisco Jabber, Outlook, Zoom, and other collaboration platforms.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Team player with customer service focus and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Education

High school diploma required; two years of college preferred. Paralegal certification from an ABA-approved program or comparable experience is a plus.

Physical Demands

Must be able to move around the office and handle documents up to 15 lbs; able to use computers and office equipment for extended periods.

Working Conditions

Office environment with cross-office collaboration across time zones. Hybrid schedule available (4 days in office, 1 day remote). Occasional travel for trials and client meetings may be required.