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We are seeking a Legal Assistant in our Trial and Corporate departments in our Southern California, Costa Mesa office. As a key member of our team, you will provide administrative support to lawyers and paralegals in the Trial practice group. Do you have strong executive assistant skills? Are you customer serviced focused? In addition, it’s a plus if you have Labor & Employment experience. If you have a deep understanding of the litigation practice and strong communication skills, we would appreciate hearing from you. This is a hybrid position, with a requirement to be in the office at least four days each week after an initial training period.

Additional Responsibilities Include

• Proactively maintain overview of timekeepers’ workload and caseload; anticipate next steps and implement follow-up procedures.
• Draft, format, proofread, redline and/or edit electronic correspondence, pleadings, discovery, briefs and other memorandum for accuracy to ensure a high quality product, from dictation, handwritten, typed, and/or electronic copy.
• File legal documents electronically in both state and federal courts.
• Review docket and coordinate with attorneys and paralegals on upcoming dates and deadlines.
• Maintain attorney calendars by scheduling appointments, conference calls, and meetings.
• Schedule couriers and court reporters.
• Assist assigned paralegal with trial preparation; i.e., scheduling witnesses, trial briefs, etc.
• Prepare charts, graphs, and other demonstratives as instructed.
• Anticipate potential problems in meeting deadlines and take appropriate action.
• Coordinate preliminary conflicts checks; prepare new client/matter intake forms and engagement letters.
• Locate information for assignments as directed.
• Assist with special projects and cooperate with other support staff in performing any duty essential to the achievement of efficient operations.
• Prepare Merger & Acquisition signature packets.
• Assist assigned paralegal with combining multiple Merger & Acquisition documents for distribution.

What We’re Looking For

• High School diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
• At least 7-10 years of related experience, law firm experience preferred.
• Experience with electronic court filing programs in California state courts and CM/ECF (Federal).
• Possess knowledge and understanding of local and federal court rules and procedures.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Proficient with PowerPDF.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent customer/client service focus and skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and perform well under pressure to ensure deadlines are met.
• Ability to use good judgment in resolving conflict and working in challenging situations.
• Ability to maintain client and firm confidentiality.
• Positive attitude and ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to use independent judgment; ability to take initiative.
• Thorough understanding of legal terminology and procedures pertinent to the practice area.
• Proficient with “Styles” in formatting Table of Contents in Merger & Acquisition documents.

About Dorsey

Dorsey & Whitney is a global law firm with over 650 lawyers across 22 offices in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. We provide strategic legal counsel to companies worldwide across a diverse range of industries, including banking & financial institutions; development & infrastructure; energy & natural resources; food, beverage & agribusiness; healthcare & life sciences; and technology.

Dorsey offers opportunities for advancement within a collaborative and dynamic environment, with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Our benefits are available to business professionals working 17+ hours/week along with their dependents, including spouses and domestic partners regardless of gender. Dorsey’s benefit package includes: comprehensive medical insurance with coverage for infertility, gender-affirming care, behavioral health, and access to virtual providers; dental insurance; vision insurance; 401(k) retirement savings plan with Firm contribution; basic and optional life insurance; short and long-term disability; paid time off; up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave with up to an additional 6-8 weeks of paid short-term disability for business professionals who give birth; paid holidays; paid volunteer day; discretionary bonuses (if bonus eligible); adoption assistance; healthcare, dependent care, and transportation pre-tax reimbursement accounts; back-up child and elder care program; education and college advising program; virtual tutoring; wellbeing programs and activities; mass transit program (certain offices); travel assistance program; 24/7 employee assistance program with access to five confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost. (Some benefits are subject to eligibility criteria.)

One Of Our Greatest Strengths Is a Friendly, Cooperative Culture That Values And Appreciates Each Individual. Dorsey Has Received External Recognition For Our Welcoming Workplace, Including

• Mansfield Certification Plus (Diversity Lab)
• Best Law Firms for Women (National Association of Female Executives and Flex-Time Lawyers)
• 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign)
• Gold Standard Certification (Women in Law Empowerment Forum)
• Top 100 Adoption-Friendly Workplace (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Reasonable Accommodations

Dorsey is committed to providing disability and religious-based reasonable accommodations, as well as menopause, pregnancy or lactation-related reasonable accommodations. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, or if you have questions about a workplace reasonable accommodation, please contact us at 612-492-5178.

How To Apply

Dorsey & Whitney LLP accepts online applications. Please go to the “Careers” section of the Dorsey website at www.dorsey.com/staffjobs and complete Dorsey’s online application form. We are unable to accept application materials by mail or email.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP is an EEO/AAP/Disabled Vets Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, military or veteran status, or any other legally-protected status.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP participates in E-Verify.

The pay range for this position in Costa Mesa, CA only is $34.44 to $59.23 per hour.

This range represents Dorsey’s good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills and location and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Dorsey estimates it will accept applications through June 12, 2026.

Please note that Dorsey is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.

Office Location:

Costa Mesa, CA