Litigation Docket Specialist
Job description
About the role
You will provide essential operational support to the Managing Attorney's Office in Washington D.C., ensuring the seamless flow of litigation documents and calendar integrity. You own the end-to-end processing of court documents, from initial filing through service and final retrieval, maintaining strict adherence to procedural rules. You are responsible for the daily upkeep and accuracy of all related databases, acting as a central hub for docketing information. You will screen and review all incoming and outgoing court filings to guarantee compliance with local rules and firm standards. You own the tracking of critical dates and communicate proactively with attorneys, paralegals, and staff to prevent missed deadlines. You will travel to court and related administrative agencies as needed to process filings and retrieve decisions. You will search for case information using specialized software and internet resources to support active matters. You will assist with additional administrative projects or provide other general back-up support to the litigation team as required.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Executing electronic court filings for state and federal district and appellate courts with precision and timeliness.
- Screening and reviewing incoming and outgoing court documents to ensure strict compliance with court rules and procedures.
- Entering and maintaining calendar deadlines in centralized docketing software such as CourtAlert to safeguard against scheduling conflicts.
- Tracking critical dates and related details, then communicating updates clearly with attorneys, paralegals, and staff as necessary.
- Traveling to court and related administrative agencies to process filings, retrieve decisions, and file papers as operational needs dictate.
- Searching for case information using court software and internet resources to compile accurate docket histories.
- Providing research support to litigation attorneys, including document retrieval and service of process when required.
- Performing general administrative duties and offering back-up support to litigation staff to ensure departmental continuity.
- Updating and maintaining all related databases to reflect the current status of filings and deadlines accurately.
- Coordinating with court personnel and attorneys regarding proper filing procedures to resolve any procedural questions efficiently.
Requirements
- An understanding of court docketing and calendaring procedures and familiarity with court filings and general rules of court for processing pleadings.
- Excellent organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail to manage multiple deadlines and documents simultaneously.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with rules-based calendaring software such as CourtAlert, CompuLaw, MA3000, or similar platforms.
- Experience with federal, state, and local court systems, including electronic filing systems like NYSCEF, NexGen, PACER, and other relevant platforms.
- General level of knowledge of court rules and procedures in Washington D.C. state and federal courts and agencies.
- Experience working in a large law firm environment is essential for success in this role.
- Minimum of 3 years of prior experience in litigation docketing is required to ensure competency in complex matters.
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office combined with demonstrated experience in rules-based calendaring software is mandatory.
- Experience with electronic filing systems across federal, state, and local jurisdictions is a strict requirement.
- Candidates must possess a general level of knowledge regarding court rules and procedures specific to Washington D.C. courts and agencies.
- Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.
Nice to have
- Prior experience working within a Washington D.C. based litigation environment.
- Advanced knowledge of specific docketing platforms used in federal court practice.
- Familiarity with legal research databases and their integration into docket management workflows.
Practical notes
- Hours: Standard business hours may be required with flexibility to support urgent filing deadlines.
- Travel: Travel to court and related administrative agencies may be required.
- Visa: Sponsorship considerations are subject to firm policies and role requirements.
- Deadlines: Applicants should submit materials in accordance with specified posting timelines.