Overview
Senior Deputy County Counsel-Employment Litigation Jobs in San Diego, CA at County of San Diego
Position Summary
The Legal Assistant plays a critical role in supporting Case Managers and attorneys by managing case-related documentation, communicating with clients, and ensuring the seamless coordination of tasks during the pre-litigation phase. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a professional approach to client communication.
Essential Functions
Medical Record and Bill Management:
Collect, organize, and maintain medical records and bills pertinent to clients’ cases.
Ensure the accuracy and completeness of medical documentation and billing information.
Maintain organized digital files for each case, ensuring that all records are updated and accessible.
Information Gathering:
Assist Case Managers in obtaining necessary information, including police reports, witness statements, and other essential documents relevant to each case.
Conduct research to gather additional data required to support the pre-litigation process.
Ensure timely and accurate collection of all required information.
Client Comunication:
Act as an additional point of contact for clients, conducting bi-weekly check-ins to provide updates and maintain client engagement.
Communicate empathetically and effectively with clients, addressing any concerns or inquiries in a prompt and professional manner.
Schedule appointments, meetings, and consultations with clients as needed.
Case Coordination:
Collaborate with attorneys, Case Managers, and other legal staff to ensure smooth case progression.
Maintain detailed logs and records of all communications and activities related to each case.
Assist in preparing necessary documents, correspondence, and other materials for case management.
Compliance and Confidentiality:
Adhere to all legal and ethical standards regarding client confidentiality and information handling.
Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and firm policies throughout the pre-litigation process.
Continuous Improvement:
Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency within the pre-litigation workflow.
Participate in training sessions and professional development activities to continuously enhance job skills and knowledge.
Other Duties
Other job duties may be assigned as needed in addition to the essential functions outlined in this job description.
Competencies
Organization & Time Management:
Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously and prioritize tasks based on urgency and deadlines.
Effective handling of large volumes of documents, information, and case materials in a structured manner.
Skilled in scheduling and keeping track of important dates, court filings, and attorney appointments.
Attention to Detail:
Accuracy in managing case files, preparing legal documents, and ensuring all details are correct and compliant with legal procedures.
Thoroughness in reviewing documents and data for errors, inconsistencies, and required updates.
Communication Skills:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients, attorneys, court staff, and other external parties.
Ability to explain complex legal processes and case updates clearly and professionally to clients.
Skilled in drafting clear, concise correspondence and case-related documents.
Legal Knowledge:
Familiarity with legal terminology, processes, court procedures, and the litigation cycle.
Understanding of case management software and legal research tools.
Ability to assist with document preparation, discovery processes, and understanding of rules and regulations in different legal areas.
Client Relationship Management:
Ability to build trust and maintain strong relationships with clients by providing regular updates and addressing concerns promptly.
Strong empathy and customer service skills to manage sensitive and sometimes stressful legal situations with professionalism and care.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking:
Proactive approach to resolving issues that arise during case management, such as scheduling conflicts, document delays, or client concerns.
Ability to anticipate challenges and think creatively to ensure cases stay on track.
Strong decision-making skills to support attorneys and clients effectively.
Technical Proficiency:
Proficiency in using legal case management software.
Ability to work with various digital tools for document management, billing, and research.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Confidentiality & Ethical Judgment:
Adherence to strict confidentiality protocols for sensitive case and client information.
Strong sense of professional ethics and integrity, especially when dealing with client communications and sensitive legal matters.
Adaptability & Flexibility:
Ability to handle unexpected changes or urgent situations, such as court rescheduling, last-minute filings, or evolving case demands.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities may shift rapidly.
Team Collaboration:
Strong teamwork skills to support attorneys, paralegals, and other legal staff effectively.
Ability to work independently while also contributing to group efforts, meetings, and collaborative projects.
Stress Management & Resilience:
Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, especially when dealing with multiple deadlines, high caseloads, or complex cases.
Emotional resilience to handle potentially difficult or stressful client situations.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certification preferred, but not required with equivalent experience.
Experience:
2-4 years of experience in a legal environment, preferably in case management, legal assistance, or paralegal roles.
Filevine experience preferred.
Skills:
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in legal case management software.
Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Physical Requirements
Communication:
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to speak and listen on the phone for extended periods.
Vision:
Ability to read and interpret documents, both in print and on a computer screen.
Visual acuity for reviewing detailed information in client files and performing data entry.
Hearing:
Ability to hear and understand conversations over the phone and in-person.
Adequate hearing to comprehend and respond to client inquiries effectively.
Sitting:
Ability to sit for prolonged periods, typically at a desk or workstation.
Frequent sitting while conducting phone communications and data entry.
Manual Dexterity:
Ability to use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, phone, and other office equipment.
Fine motor skills for handling documents, scanning, and organizing files.
Mobility:
Ability to move within the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, and other necessary work areas.
Occasional walking and standing as needed.
Lifting:
Ability to lift and carry objects such as files, documents, or office supplies, typically up to 10 pounds.
Mental and Emotional Resilience:
Ability to handle stressful situations and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Capacity to maintain professionalism and composure while communicating with clients.
Work Environment:
Ability to work in an office environment with standard office noise and interruptions.
Ability to use office equipment such as computers, telephones, scanners, and copiers.
Computer Use:
Frequent and extended use of a computer for tasks such as typing, data entry, document management, and research.
Proficient keyboarding skills and the ability to focus on screen work for extended periods are essential.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment
The work environment is a standard office setting that includes a moderate level of noise from phones, conversations, and office equipment. Employees are expected to work at a desk or workstation for extended periods, using computers and other office equipment. The environment is designed to promote collaboration and communication while ensuring comfort and accessibility for all employees.
Work Authorization
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future and must provide proof of their authorization to work.
Title: Senior Deputy County Counsel-Employment Litigation
Company: County of San Diego
Location: San Diego, CA
