Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking an experienced Legal Secretary to join the firm and support members of our Litigation practice.

The position will reside in the Los Angeles office and will provide secretarial and administrative support to several attorneys, enabling them to complete their work in an efficient and timely manner. You will assist with time entry, document preparation, client billing, and provide administrative support on trial teams as needed. Akin Gump's secretaries work closely together in teams to provide top-notch service in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. We are looking for someone who is a diligent problem solver, who can shift gears as priorities change and knows the ins and outs of litigation departments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION INCLUDE:

• Type and edit legal and other documents (including correspondence, memoranda, bills, timesheets and project work) from handwritten, typed materials and transcription tapes.
• Copy, distribute, send (electronically and/or via mail, courier or express service), file and otherwise handle completed work. Use of a typewriter may be necessary for certain assignments.
• Proficiency in eFiling in State and Federal Courts and all court procedures.
• Ability to produce TOCs and TOAs manually & accurately.
• Proofread and redline work for accuracy of copy, format, grammar, punctuation and syntax.
• Partner with case teams on key court filings.
• Receive, screen and transmit telephone calls, conference calls and messages to/from attorneys, clients and staff.
• Handle incoming and outgoing mail.
• Perform secretarial functions associated with firm administrative tasks, including processing new client/matter requests, client bills, time reports and expense reports.
• Set up and maintain files.
• Coordinate conferences, meetings and appointments.
• Coordinate travel arrangements, securing air and ground transportation and hotel accommodations.
• Coordinate work as needed with office, firm and third-party service departments, including Document Services, IT, Office Services, Conference Services, and Finance.
• Provide secretarial assistance to visitors, summer associates and attorneys whose secretaries are absent

QUALIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES):

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of ten years of litigation secretarial experience supporting partner level attorneys
• Specialized secretarial degree, associate and/or bachelor's degree desirable but not required
• Ability to type at least 70 words per minute with accuracy
• Thorough knowledge of MS Office applications including Word 10 and Outlook, as well as Adobe Professional
• Thorough knowledge of the proper preparation of time records, expense reports, client bills and conflict-checking forms (if applicable to position)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Proficiency with advanced telephone functions, including conference calling and voicemail
• Excellent telephone manner
• Familiarity with legal filing and record-keeping practices
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to perform clerical tasks with a high degree of accuracy
• Proficiency on office equipment used on a regular basis including computers, printers, copy machines, facsimile machines, telephones and transcription machines
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, take initiative, set priorities and see projects through completion
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and respond to changing priorities
• Ability to establish effective working relationships within the office and firm, and with clients, vendors and others outside the firm
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of client and office information, and adhering to the Firm’s Core Values
• Commitment to professional growth

AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD LLP PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY FOR PURPOSES OF VERIFYING EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY 

Required Skills Required Experience

• Extensive cash handling, which requires ability to perform basic math functions. 
• Ability to present and maintain a professional image at all times. 
• Ability to properly read and write well enough to communicate in both oral and written form.
• Ability to take initiative and utilize sound judgment in decision-making and higher-level problem solving. 
• Ability to establish self as a leader, to not only perform in a leadership role, but to also be recognized by others as a leader. 
• Ability to work in a team environment with the ability to interact well, and in a positive manner, with co-workers and management. 
• Must have the ability to demonstrate a sales initiative.