Litigation Legal Secretary

Litigation Legal Secretary / Legal Administrative Assistant
Zacks, Freedman & Chernev, PC | San Francisco, CA
Full-time | In-office | Hourly, nonexempt

Zacks, Freedman & Chernev, PC, a San Francisco real estate law firm, seeks an experienced Litigation Legal Secretary to provide legal and administrative support to assigned attorneys. This position requires California litigation experience, proficiency in court filings and calendaring, and the ability to manage competing priorities with accuracy and sound judgment.

You will work closely with attorneys and administrative staff to prepare legal documents, maintain case files, coordinate deadlines, and communicate with clients. The position reports to the Office Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, format, proofread, and finalize pleadings, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Submit court filings and coordinate service in California state and federal courts; assist with appellate filings as assigned.
• Calculate and calendar litigation deadlines, hearings, and reminders using applicable rules and firm procedures.
• Manage attorney calendars and coordinate consultations, meetings, depositions, and travel.
• Maintain organized electronic case files and current case lists for assigned attorneys.
• Communicate professionally with clients, courts, opposing counsel, vendors, and colleagues.
• Assist with conflict checks, new matter openings, and client intake.
• Support discovery document collection and organization, and prepare trial materials, exhibits, and binders.
• Provide reception coverage during lunch breaks and absences, including answering calls and greeting visitors.
• Handle related administrative tasks while protecting confidential client and firm information.

Required Qualifications

• Three or more years of legal secretarial or legal assistant experience supporting California litigation attorneys, or equivalent demonstrated proficiency.
• Working knowledge of California court procedures, litigation calendaring, and electronic filing.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat, including document formatting and PDF preparation.
• Strong proofreading, written communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize assignments from multiple attorneys, communicate workload conflicts, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, exercise discretion, and collaborate with colleagues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting real estate litigation, landlord-tenant matters, land use matters, or Rent Board proceedings.
• Experience with One Legal, TrueFiling, File & Serve, and federal CM/ECF and PACER systems.
• Experience with legal calendaring, document management, or practice management software.
• Experience preparing discovery and trial materials.

Schedule and Location

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., in our San Francisco office. This position requires daily in-office attendance.

Compensation 

Hourly compensation:  $43–$53 per hour, approximately $89,440–$110,240 annually at 2,080 hours, before overtime.  

Benfits

• Medical insurance: Eligible after a 30-day waiting period. The firm pays 100% of the employee-only premium for the base medical plan. Employees may select a higher-cost plan and pay the difference in premiums.
• Dental insurance: The firm pays 50% of the employee-only premium.
• Vision insurance: Coverage is available.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with profit sharing, with eligibility after one year of employment, subject to plan entry dates and terms.
• Paid time off: Paid sick leave and vacation, with benefits based on length of service.

About the Firm

Zacks, Freedman & Chernev, PC is a San Francisco-based law firm focused on real estate litigation, landlord-tenant matters, land use, and real estate transactions. Our attorneys represent property owners, businesses, and individuals throughout the Bay Area. In this role, you will work closely with attorneys and administrative staff to support client matters across these practice areas.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Zacks, Freedman & Chernev, PC is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, please contact the Office Manager.

Consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Compensation details: 43-53 Hourly Wage

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