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Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, a global Am Law 50 firm, has an immediate opening for an experienced, well-organized Legal Assistant to support litigation attorneys and paralegals in our Labor & Employment Practice Group for the San Diego office. This includes assisting with preparing and filing legal documents, calendar and travel management, case management, and billing/expense support. The job requires extensive knowledge of litigation, trial procedures, federal, state and appellate court rules and procedures. Technical, organizational, and administrative skills are necessary to handle the variety of duties and responsibilities outlined below. The position handles multiple projects, often in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, requiring prioritization and flexibility. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role. Experience working in labor and employment law is required.

Job Summary

The Legal Assistant will provide litigation support for attorneys with a busy desk in the Labor & Employment practice group. The job requires extensive knowledge of litigation, trial procedures, federal, state and appellate court rules and procedures. Technical, organizational, and administrative skills are necessary to handle the variety of duties and responsibilities outlined below. The position handles multiple projects, often in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, requiring prioritization and flexibility. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role.

Essential Functions

• Draft, edit, and proofread legal documents including pleadings and discovery.
• Conduct conflict checks and handle new matters, including preparing engagement letters and managing client and case documents.
• Work closely with attorneys and paralegals to prepare and file official correspondence using the Firm’s standards and procedures.
• Communicate regularly with the team. Double-check work product before presenting to attorney for review and again before sending or filing.
• Schedule and coordinate depositions, court dates, filing deadlines, calendars, appointments, meetings, travel arrangements, and related planning.
• Must be available and able to work during core business hours.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 3-5 years of litigation experience in a law firm.
• Experience with document productions and e-discovery.
• Strong working knowledge of Superior and Federal Courts rules and procedures.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.
• Possess excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.
• Strong attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and excellent time management skills to meet deadlines.

Education

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required, plus substantial and relevant work experience.
• A bachelor's degree or some college is preferred.
• A secretarial certification or ABA-approved paralegal certification is preferred.

Computer/Software Knowledge

Must have proficiency in Windows 11, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and Teams, and experience working with a document management system. Must be able to quickly learn new skills and systems.

Work Environment

• Working indoors with limited exposure to hazards (only those that customarily come up with working in a high-rise building).
• Indoor office work environment in a cubical or workstation.
• This position is hybrid–working in the office a minimum of 4 days per week and working from home the rest of the week (subject to change), unless HR has approved an alternative work arrangement.
• Overtime may be required as the job duties demand.

California: The salary range for this position is $26.00 - $62.00 per hour. (Updated 7/24/26)

Sheppard is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.