Senior Legal Assistant

If you want to work on life-changing, industry-shaking cases; if you want justice for real people; if you work hard and win for your clients—no matter what, Arnold & Itkin LLP (“AI”) is the place for you.

We are currently seeking an experienced, motivated Senior Legal Secretary/Assistant to join our team in Houston, supporting our trial attorneys in high-profile litigation across the country. AI is one of the top trial firms in the U.S., with offices in Houston, Dallas, Midland, San Antonio, Albuquerque and Baton Rouge. AI has recovered billions of dollars for our clients and has set records nationwide with verdicts and settlements in nearly every state. 

Noteworthy results include:

• $8 billion punitive damages verdict for single products liability plaintiff;
• $557 million verdict for woman hit by a train;
• $222 million verdict for widow of man killed in industrial accident;
• $205 million settlement for multiple clients on the eve of trial;
• $171 million settlement for numerous industrial workers;
• $117 million verdict for pregnant woman in tragic car accident;
• $110 million settlement for individuals harmed by dangerous products;
• $87 million settlement for man who was severely burned while working in an industrial job;
• $76.6 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson for failing to warn about side effects of an anti-psychotic drug;
• $72 million settlement for man injured in oil field accident;
• $44 million verdict for man who lost his leg in a crane collapse;
• $41 million verdict in commercial dispute—the largest commercial verdict in the state of Hawaii; 
• $39.7 million verdict for man injured in a workplace fire.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• On a day-to-day basis, work primarily under the direction of an assigned group of Attorneys and/or other team members to most effectively and efficiently meet Firm/client needs.
• Manage busy calendars and constantly evolving schedules, coordinating travel arrangements, meetings and events. 
• E-filing in state and federal courts, docketing deadlines, and trial preparation.
• Prepare and revise a wide variety of documents, including correspondence, memoranda, and legal materials. Responsible for proofreading and correctly formatting all materials.
• Schedule depositions and prepare hearing notebooks. Assist in trial preparation as needed. Process expense reports. Receive, place, and screen telephone calls as required. Schedule conference calls, coordinate and schedule travel.
• Provide assistance to other Legal Secretaries within assigned teams whenever necessary to meet Firm and client needs. Organize and prioritize workload to most efficiently enable and facilitate team effort to accomplish Firm and client goals.
• Exhibit professionalism by recognizing and adhering to all Firm policies, including attendance guidelines, dress code, security measures, and confidentiality requirements.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Thorough knowledge of a plaintiff personal injury litigation practice includes an understanding and knowledge of court practices, requirements and deadlines in both state and federal courts.
• Proficiency in e-filing in state and federal courts, docketing deadlines, trial preparation and calendaring deadlines.
• Proven ability to manage complex cases independently and effectively from file to trial.
• The ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• A proactive work ethic, the ability to anticipate needs, strong decision-making skills, attention to detail, a flexible schedule and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, challenging legal environment. 
•  Strong interpersonal and communication skills along with the ability to work collaboratively as a team.
• Willingness to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and travel as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 10+ years as a litigation legal secretary. (Required) 
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Word and formatting documents with a minimum typing speed of 70+ words per minute. 
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed.

BENEFITS AND PERKS:

• Top-of-Market Pay
• Discretionary Bonuses
  1. Based on firm profitability, tenure, and performance
  2. Historically generous compared to peer firms
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  1. AI covers 100% of employee-only medical premium
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
  1. Employee contributions from day one
  2. After 1 year: Firm contributes 3% of gross pay per paycheck (not subject to vesting)
• Additional Benefits:
  1. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  2. Health Savings Account (HSA), if eligible
  3. Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  4. 11 days paid holiday with additional Paid Time Off (PTO)
  5. Short-Term Disability (100% employer-paid)
  6. Voluntary Long-Term Disability
  7. Basic Life & AD&D ($50K provided by firm)
  8. Accident & Critical Illness coverage
  9. LifeMart Discounts
  10. Discounted gym memberships via Well on Target
  11. Employee & Client Referral Bonuses
  12. Professional Development Opportunities

POSITION TYPE:

• This is a full-time position based in Houston.
• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.