Litigation Secretary/Practice Specialist I (Houston) - Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
Houston, TX 77002
About the Job
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, a global Am Law 50 firm, is seeking an experienced Litigation Secretary/Practice Specialist I based in our Houston office.
Sheppard Mullin is hiring an experienced, well-organized Practice Specialist to support our litigation attorneys and paralegals that handle a variety of intellectual property cases and some commercial disputes as well. This support would include assisting with daily workflow regarding procedures, calendaring deadlines and events, submitting expenses, and invoicing clients. 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
Sheppard Mullin is hiring an experienced, well-organized Practice Specialist to support our litigation attorneys and paralegals that handle a variety of intellectual property cases and some commercial disputes as well. This support would include assisting with daily workflow regarding procedures, calendaring deadlines and events, submitting expenses, and invoicing clients. 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.
- Maintain client confidence by keeping client/attorney information confidential.
- Proactively manage casework and assignments, 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.
- Attend and actively participate in all training programs suggested by the IP Specialists, practice assistant lead and office administrator.
- Proactively work with practice assistant lead, IP Specialists, paralegals, and attorneys to obtain assignments and maintain a sufficient workload which offers learning and growth opportunities.
Required Qualifications:
- A minimum of 10 years of litigation experience in a law firm.
- Experience with document productions and e-discovery.
- 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.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- 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
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.
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
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.
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.
Req: #2024-3211
#LI-CD1 #LI-Hybrid #LI-Fulltime #LI-Associate
Source : Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP