SUMMARY:

General Litigation Secretary (Dispute Resolution)

Introduction

POSITION INFO:

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive secretarial and administrative support within a litigation environment.
• Perform accurate dictaphone and copy typing of legal and professional documents.
• Type, format, proofread and collate notices, pleadings and related legal documentation.
• Assist with the preparation, amendment, formatting and finalisation of legal documents.
• Incorporate amendments into documents and verify that all changes have been correctly implemented.
• Attend to the issuing, uploading, sorting and management of pleadings.
• Organise and maintain electronic court files using CourtOnline and CaseLines.
• Prepare and maintain resource, counsel and client files.
• Open new matters and assist with the onboarding and administration of new clients.
• Manage professional diaries, appointments, telephone calls and messages.
• Monitor and screen incoming emails and prepare draft responses where required.
• Provide general office and professional administrative support.
• Accurately capture and maintain professional timesheets.
• Prepare pre-bills and billing memoranda and assist with client billing processes.
• Monitor outstanding accounts and assist with debtor management and collections in conjunction with the accounts function.
• Manage and follow up on FICA documentation and outstanding compliance requirements.
• Liaise professionally with clients, counsel, presiding officers, experts and external service providers as required.
• Provide administrative support on large and complex litigation matters.
• Assist with the preparation and coordination of tender submissions and presentations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and ensure all documentation and information are handled appropriately.
• Prioritise and manage multiple matters and deadlines effectively.

Requirements

• Matric is essential.
• A Legal Secretarial Diploma, Secretarial Diploma or Paralegal qualification will be advantageous.
• 7+ years' experience as a Legal Secretary within a litigation department.
• Experience in High Court litigation, particularly motion proceedings.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Sound working knowledge of CourtOnline and CaseLines.
• Experience in a large professional or legal services environment is advantageous.
• Proven experience supporting multiple legal professionals simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of legal terminology and litigation processes.
• Experience with Aderant Expert/CMS or a comparable legal accounting/practice management system.
• Experience with FileSite or a comparable document management system.