Legal Secretary

Our client is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Legal Secretary to join their dynamic team at a reputable law firm.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and is dedicated to providing high-level administrative support to attorneys and legal executives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Prepare and format legal documents such as contracts, pleadings, briefs, and affidavits.
2. File legal documents with courts and government agencies, both electronically and physically.
3. Manage attorneys' calendars, including scheduling meetings, hearings, and court dates.
4. Handle incoming calls, emails, and correspondence on behalf of attorneys.
5. Maintain and organize physical and electronic filing systems for legal documents and case files.
6. Conduct basic legal research and summarize findings when required.
7. Transcribe dictations and audio recordings.
8. Ensure all documents adhere to legal formatting standards.
9. Liaise with clients, court officials, and external stakeholders professionally.
10. Track billable hours and assist with timekeeping and client billing.
11. Provide general administrative support such as copying, scanning, and office supply ordering.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education: Matric / Grade 12 (required); Legal Secretary or Paralegal diploma / certificate (preferred); Additional training in legal studies or administration is an advantage; Legal Secretary Certificate / Diploma – Preferred (from institutions such as Damelin, Boston City Campus, Oxbridge Academy, etc.).

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience as a legal secretary or in a similar administrative role within a law firm or legal department; Experience with litigation, conveyancing, family law, or other legal specializations (depending on the firm); Direct experience with litigation matters – drafting pleadings, managing court filings, preparing trial bundles, etc.; Familiarity with High Court and Magistrate's Court procedures.

Skills: Excellent typing skills (typically 60+ WPM); Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and legal case management software; Strong written and verbal communication; Exceptional organizational and time management abilities; High attention to detail and accuracy; Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

Legal & Litigation-Specific Skills: Understanding of civil and / or criminal litigation processes; Knowledge and experience of conveyancing transfers; Knowledge of court rules and procedures (including deadlines and document formatting); Filing of legal documents via CaseLines or Court Online (depending on jurisdiction); Drafting notices, subpoenas, pleadings, and other litigation documents; Managing litigation files from initiation to trial / hearing.