Job Description

Overview

We are not just offering a job but a meaningful career! Come join our passionate team!

As a Fortune 50 company, we hire the best employees to serve our customers, making us a leader in the insurance and financial services industry. State Farm embraces diversity and inclusion to ensure a workforce that is engaged, builds on the strengths and talents of all associates, and creates a Good Neighbor culture.

We offer competitive benefits and pay with the potential for an annual financial award based on both individual and enterprise performance. Our employees have an opportunity to participate in volunteer events within the community and engage in a learning culture. We offer programs to assist with tuition reimbursement, professional designations, employee development, wellness initiatives, and more!

Visit our Careers page for more information on our benefits, locations and the process of joining the State Farm team!

For Los Angeles candidates: Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.

For San Francisco candidates: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

**Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for US work authorization for this opportunity.

Responsibilities

WE NEED YOU!

James T Shott & Associates, insurance staff counsel for State Farm insurance companies, is seeking a legal secretary to join our Costa Mesa, CA team. The State Farm® Law Department is responsible for delivering legal services in an objective, unbiased manner and in accord with the attorneys’ ethical and professional standards. The Corporate Law Division provides legal services to State Farm and its subsidiaries. The Claim Litigation Counsel Division handles a wide range of litigation activity on behalf of State Farm insureds and/or the State Farm Insurance Companies. All Law Department employees work to provide outstanding legal services that are in the best interest of State Farm and its policyholder group.

We support:

first party and third party liability claims resulting from automobile accidents (Auto BI/PD)
premises liability and other third-party litigation under the Homeowners Policy and Commercial liability policy (Fire BI/PD)
court-approval of minor and wrongful death claims
arbitration matters
declaratory judgments
many miscellaneous areas such as responding to subpoenas served on State Farm.
We provide a team-oriented professional work environment with skilled support staff.
We provide significant training and formal coaching during your incumbency period of 6 - 12 months. 

What you can expect:

Assists attorneys in handling assigned files and delivering legal services under attorney supervision.
Assists attorneys in effective and efficient resolution of files.
Applies specialized knowledge of legal procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Serves as a role model for co-workers for work ethic, professionalism, teamwork and attitude.
Creates and implements workflow procedures to increase productivity and efficiency.
Works with Managing Attorney and Office Manager to manage team coverage issues.
Potential to mentor and train entry-level Legal Secretaries.
Participates in in-house training to continue development and expand legal knowledge. 
Works with moderate supervision/guidance from attorney or management to expedite the movement and resolution of files.
Supports workflow and assumes responsibilities, as assigned, to assist Office Manager as required.
Contributes to office improvement by engaging and responding to Excellence in Operations. Management (EOM) dialogues and activities.

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates who have:

3+ years of legal secretarial experience required.
Experience with Adobe, Microsoft Office, and electronic document management systems and document assembly programs.
Litigation background and working familiarity with California court rules and civil procedure.
Knowledge of legal and medical terminology, local and state rules regarding pleadings and pre-trial matters, deadlines and filing requirements.
Experience with filing in State Courts.
Strong communication skills both written and verbal in order to effectively communicate with peers, leadership, clients, and internal/external customers.
Accurate typing skills.
Strong work ethic and initiative.
Collaborative team-player with a strong teamwork orientation.

Preferred Qualifications:

Civil litigation
Insurance defense
Bodily injury experience

Additional Information:

Accurate typing skills required.