Legal Secretary - San Francisco, CA

LAW FIRM SERVING NONPROFITS

SEEKS LEGAL SECRETARY IN OUR SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE

Adler & Colvin is a nationally esteemed firm with offices in San Francisco, California, and Washington, D.C. Our more than twenty attorneys exclusively advise nonprofit entities and their funders, working daily to help our clients maximize their impact. Our clients work locally, nationally, and globally to further social justice, civil rights, environmental responsibility, education, health, and more.

Our collaborative practice focuses on advising our clients on tax and corporate laws unique to the nonprofit sector, including nonprofit corporate structures and legal compliance, social enterprise, lobbying and political advocacy, international philanthropy, and much more. Although our area of practice is specific, the work we do is diverse, complex, and challenging.

Our clients represent a wide spectrum of size, stage, and purpose, from small, newly launched grassroots advocacy organizations to large, established philanthropies. Our clients are committed to making a better and more equitable world, and they inspire us every day.

Our attorneys are recognized experts in nonprofit and philanthropic law—they teach at law schools, publish regularly, have spoken before Congress, and are frequently honored for their leadership in the field.

Adler & Colvin has an opening in our San Francisco office for a new member of our five‑member secretarial team. We are looking for a capable, collaborative, and curious professional who thrives in a mission-driven environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience as a corporate legal secretary or administrative professional (nonprofit or tax law experience a plus)
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook 365, Docusign, Zoom, and a document management system (e.g., Worldox, NetDocuments, or iManage)
• Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Pro and Microsoft 365 is preferred
• Experience in basic Internet research
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualities

• Strong formatting, grammar, proofreading, and organizational skills
• Adaptable, proactive, and calm under pressure
• Positive, solutions-oriented attitude and collaborative spirit
• Receptive to feedback and committed to continual learning
• Self-awareness as a learner—comfortable asking questions and refining processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in nonprofit and philanthropic work

We value attitude and adaptability as much as experience. If you’re organized, eager to learn, and thrive in supportive, high-performing teams, we want to meet you.

Our legal secretaries support multiple attorneys and play an integral role in client service, project coordination, and firm operations.

A Day in the Life

• Preparing, formatting, and finalizing legal documents and correspondence
• Managing attorney calendars and scheduling in-person and virtual meetings
• Tracking deadlines and maintaining organized electronic and physical files
• Supporting client intake, engagement letters, and conflicts checks
• Assisting with billing and accounting-related administrative tasks
• Communicating with attorneys, clients, and staff to keep projects on track
• Balancing multiple priorities with accuracy and care

Each day combines focus and collaboration in service of organizations working for the public good.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide proactive administrative support that enables attorneys to serve clients effectively.
• Coordinate and manage complex projects with accuracy and professionalism.
• Maintain organized workflows and clear communication across teams.

What Makes Adler & Colvin Different

• Mission-Driven Practice: We work exclusively with nonprofits and philanthropies advancing social good.
• Legal Depth: Our attorneys are national leaders in governance, tax, lobbying, and philanthropy law.
• Hybrid Flexibility: New employees work in-office full-time during their first three months. Thereafter, employees work two in-office days per week (including Wednesdays for collaboration and shared lunches) and three remote days per week.
• Inclusive Culture: Secretaries contribute to firm-wide initiatives such as the DEI Committee, Templates Team, and Technology Team, and diverse perspectives and lived experiences are valued.
• Community: Enjoy in-person social hours, monthly Zoom socials, and three annual all-firm gatherings that keep our in-person and hybrid teams connected.
• Growth Pathways: Build experience toward Career Legal Secretary, Law Clerk, or Paralegal positions, or gain valuable exposure for future legal, nonprofit, or graduate studies.
• Balance & Stability: A collegial, respectful workplace where many staff have built long-term careers.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: The salary range for this position is from $85,000 – $100,000, which reflects the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on several factors, such as the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual; designated holidays, paid floating holiday, and sick leave
• Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (three Blue Shield, one Kaiser, and one CareFirst BlueChoice) along with dental and vision insurance; Adler & Colvin contributes generously toward employee premiums
• Dental & Vision Plans: Firm pays 100 % of dental and vision premiums
• Basic Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Fully paid by the firm
• Retirement: 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with 5 % firm contribution under Safe Harbor provisions

This is a full-time, non-management position. Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background screen. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Adler & Colvin will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

How to Apply

Please submit your résumé and a brief cover letter describing your interest in this position and how your experience aligns with the role to hiring@adlercolvin.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Our Commitment to Equity and Access

Adler & Colvin welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and identities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we and our clients serve.