Litigation Secretary - Somerset West

Introduction

A well-established boutique commercial litigation firm is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Litigation Secretary to work directly with its founding partner. This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated legal professional to join a dynamic, fast-paced environment and play an integral role in supporting the firm’s delivery of high-quality commercial litigation services

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive personal assistant and senior legal secretarial support to the founding partner.

• Accurately transcribe audio and digital dictation relating to High Court litigation, commercial matters and general legal correspondence.

• Type at a minimum speed of 60–70 words per minute while maintaining an exceptionally high level of accuracy.

• Prepare, format, proofread and finalise complex legal documents according to precise instructions and firm standards.

• Draft and format pleadings, notices, affidavits, applications, correspondence and other High Court litigation documents.

• Ensure that all legal documents comply with applicable court rules, procedural requirements and prescribed formatting standards.

• Apply excellent English grammar, spelling, punctuation and legal terminology across all correspondence and documentation.

• Proofread and edit documents carefully to identify grammatical, typographical, formatting and factual errors.

• Manage litigation files and ensure that all correspondence, pleadings, notices and supporting documents are filed accurately.

• Monitor court dates, filing deadlines, consultations, meetings and other important litigation-related dates.

• Manage the partner’s diary, appointments, consultations, Microsoft Teams meetings and travel arrangements.

• Prioritise urgent tasks effectively and ensure that time-sensitive work is completed within strict deadlines.

• Manage a high volume of work while maintaining accuracy, organisation and attention to detail.

• Draft and attend to correspondence with clients, advocates, correspondent attorneys, experts and other stakeholders.

• Act as the primary liaison between the partner, clients, advocates and external service providers.

• Liaise with advocates regarding consultations, briefs, pleadings, hearing preparation and outstanding documentation.

• Screen and manage incoming telephone calls, identify urgent matters and respond to enquiries professionally.

• Handle confidential legal, commercial and client information with discretion and professionalism.

• Anticipate the partner’s administrative and operational requirements and follow up proactively on outstanding matters.

• Maintain accurate electronic and physical filing systems and ensure that documents are readily accessible.

• Coordinate meetings and consultations and ensure that all relevant files and supporting documentation are available beforehand.

• Assist with billing administration, including posting professional fees, preparing invoices and resolving billing queries.

• Perform general office administration and contribute to the efficient daily operation of the firm.

• Identify potential delays, missing information or procedural issues and take appropriate action to resolve them.

• Remain calm, professional and solution-focused when working under pressure or managing competing priorities.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Minimum five years’ legal secretarial experience in a reputable law firm.

• Proven commercial and High Court litigation experience.

• Fast, accurate dictation typing at 60–70 words per minute or higher.

• Excellent English grammar, proofreading and document-formatting skills.

• Experience supporting a senior partner, director or advocate.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.

• Stable employment history and a commitment to a long-term secretarial career.

• German language skills would be advantageous.

Package & Remuneration

R 30 - 40 000 Highly negotiable