Litigation Secretary/Practice Specialist II (Houston)
Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
Houston, TX 77002
Description
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, an Am Law 50 firm, has an immediate opening for a Litigation Secretary/Practice Specialist II in the Houston office.
The Practice Specialist will provide litigation support for attorneys with a busy desk in the Business Trial Practice Group. The job requires extensive knowledge of litigation, trial procedures, federal, state and appellate court rules and procedures. Technical, organizational, and administrative skills are necessary to handle the variety of duties and responsibilities outlined below. The position handles multiple projects, often in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, requiring prioritization and flexibility. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role.
Essential Job Functions
- Format, edit, and manage legal documents, including pleadings and discovery.
- Schedule and coordinate depositions, court dates, filing deadlines, calendars, appointments, meetings, travel arrangements, and related planning.
- Conduct conflict checks and handle new matters, including preparing engagement letters and managing client and case documents.
- Ensure that client-matter numbers are opened according to the Firm’s guidelines.
- Prepare Partner timesheets, expense summaries/reports, and client bills.
- Maintain client confidence by keeping client/attorney information confidential.
- Proactively manage case work, ensuring all deadlines are met in a timely manner. Communicate calendar and docket updates to the docketing teams.
- Work closely with attorneys and paralegals to prepare and file official correspondence using the Firm’s standards and procedures.
- Communicate regularly with the team. Double check work product before presenting to attorney for review and again before sending or filing.
Required Qualifications:
- A minimum of 6 years of litigation experience in a law firm.
- Experience with document productions and e-discovery.
- Strong working knowledge of Superior and Federal Courts rules and procedures.
- Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.
- Possess excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.
- Strong attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and excellent time management skills to meet deadlines.
Education and/or Experience
A high school diploma or equivalent is required, plus substantial and relevant work experience. A bachelor's degree or some college is preferred.
License and Certification
None required. A secretarial certification or ABA approved paralegal certification is preferred.
Computer/Software Knowledge
Must have proficiency in Windows 10, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and Teams, and experience working with a document management system. Must be able to quickly learn new skills and systems.
Work Environment
- The current Firm policy is hybrid–working in the office a minimum of 3 days per week and working from home the rest of the week (subject to change).
- Overtime may be required as the job duties demand.
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Sheppard Mullin is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.