Legal Secretary, ODC

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) investigates complaints and allegations of ethical misconduct against attorneys licensed in the District of Columbia. It initiates appropriate resolutions, ranging from dismissals, diversions, and informal admonitions to formal charges. The Legal Secretary (LS) provides administrative support to at least three (3) busy attorneys and reports to the Office Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Type from draft, edit, and format legal documents, including hearing exhibits and pre-trial pleadings, briefs, motions, letters, and memoranda, according to the rules of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals (DCCA) and the Board on Professional Responsibility (BPR).

•    Prepare subpoenas duces tecum and ensure proper service.

•    Proofread documents for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and format conformity.

•    Organize, label, bookmark, redact, and Bates stamp paper and electronic documents for use as hearing exhibits. 

•    Ensure prompt and proper filing and service by electronic and traditional means of legal filings and documentary evidence with the BPR, the DCCA, and opposing counsel.

•    Prepare and submit electronic case files and disposition documents for contact member review to BPR.

•    Promptly prepare, file, and serve disposition documents after contact member approval.

•    Successfully manage competing priorities to meet deadlines consistently.

•    Ensure timely processing of new cases by preparing and transmitting appropriate correspondence.

•    Calculate and calendar due dates accurately according to office guidelines and BPR and DCCA rules; track due dates for follow-up.

•    Enter incoming and outgoing correspondence, documents, bank records, emails, and other activities into the electronic case tracking system; ensure prompt, accurate, and consistent entries.

•    Update case information in tracking system as necessary, including, but not limited to, case status, parties’ contact information, and counsel information.

•    Prepare and submit attorney expense reports.

•    Create and maintain physical and electronic case files.

•    Assist other administrative staff as needed and perform other role-relevant duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•    Relevant work experience.

•    Expert knowledge in providing litigation support, including preparing, formatting, and filing briefs, exhibits, and motions.

•    Expert knowledge in creating tables of contents and authorities using Microsoft Word.

•    Proficient in Microsoft 365, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel.

•    Advanced skills using Adobe Pro, including creating PDF bookmarks, attachments, Bates Numbering, redactions, watermarks, document and web hyperlinks, and digital and electronic signatures.

•    Excellent time-, task-, and project-management skills.

•    Must work well under pressure, possess excellent organizational abilities, and successfully manage daily tasks.

•    Must be detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and able to work well in a fast-paced environment.

•    Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with staff, the public, hearing committee members, Board members, judges, and opposing counsel.

•    Exceptional interpersonal skills. 

•    Knowledge of general office equipment, including printers, scanners, and copiers.

•    Work well in a team environment and interact professionally with the public and staff.

•    Must be adaptable, creative, self-motivated, and proactive.

•    Available to work overtime when needed.

•    Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information.

•    Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

•    Associate degree, legal secretary certification, or relevant experience.

•    Experience using electronic case and document management systems.

This is a hybrid position, with days worked onsite and days worked remotely. At least the first 30 days of employment will be exclusively onsite. The hybrid status of this position may change at any time, subject to the ODC’s discretion.

This is not an attempt to list all the essential functions of this position. Job duties may change over time based on organizational/department needs.

The ODC is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

The ODC is committed to providing qualified individuals with reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of their jobs according to applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation as part of the application process, please contact Human Resources at HR@dcbar.org.

As part of the accommodation process, we will conduct an individualized, interactive process and may ask you for additional information. Additionally, final hiring decisions or start dates may be delayed while the accommodation review process is ongoing if the individual can only begin work with the requested accommodation.