Full-Time

Legal Secretary/Administrative Assistant

Goodwin

Goodwin

1,001-5,000 employees

Global law firm handling complex transactions

Compensation Overview

$75.6k - $124.2k/yr

San Francisco, CA, USA

In Person

Bachelor's

Category
Administrative & Executive Assistance (1)
Required Skills
Microsoft Office
Word/Pages/Docs
Excel/Numbers/Sheets
Microsoft Outlook
PowerPoint/Keynote/Slides

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Requirements
  • A high school diploma or General Educational Development credential is required.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, is required.
  • Strong organizational skills are required to manage multiple tasks and projects, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills are required for drafting documents, corresponding with clients, and collaborating with colleagues.
  • The ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive client and firm information is required.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required to identify issues, prioritize workloads, and resolve administrative challenges.
Responsibilities
  • Manage complex calendars, arrange meetings, and coordinate travel arrangements for attorneys, paralegals, and business leaders.
  • Manage meeting logistics, including booking conference rooms, registering guests, securing equipment, and arranging catering services.
  • Handle calls, emails, and hard-copy mail appropriately and promptly.
  • Prepare and process expense reports and check requests with accurate documentation for reimbursement or payment.
  • Provide backup support to other secretaries, including absence coverage and overflow tasks.
  • Proofread and edit legal documents, correspondence, memoranda, and other communications for accuracy and clarity.
  • Assist with preparing, managing, and distributing audit response letters.
  • Maintain organized and current client and administrative files in the firm’s electronic document management system.
  • Open new client and matter numbers, maintain and edit matters, perform conflict checks, and prepare engagement letters.
  • Coordinate engagement-letter signing through DocuSign.
  • Facilitate time entry for assigned attorneys and paralegals, including input, review, editing, and release of time.
  • Support the billing process by tracking billing deadlines and circulating prebills to attorneys for review.
Desired Qualifications
  • A college degree is preferred but not required.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth is desirable.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues to achieve common goals and improve team performance is desirable.
  • Knowledge of the firm’s structure and available resources is desirable.
  • Proactive identification and implementation of process improvements is desirable.

Goodwin is a global law firm providing advisory, transactional, and litigation services to businesses across industries such as financial services, life sciences, private equity, real estate, and technology. It works by assembling senior legal teams to handle complex deals, disputes, and compliance across its offices in the US, Europe, and Asia. Its differentiator is its scale and international reach, enabling cross-border support and industry-specific guidance. The firm's goal is to help clients navigate complex legal landscapes, protect their interests, and achieve business objectives through practical, client-focused legal solutions.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Boston, Massachusetts

Founded

1912

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Goodwin reported 2025 revenue of $2.72 billion, up 11.2%, and PEP of $4.24 million.
  • Ro Park joined in San Diego, expanding life sciences public M&A in California.
  • Rebecca Lock joined Philadelphia, deepening real estate funds and capital formation coverage.

What critics are saying

  • Paul Weiss hired William Jay on August 24, 2026, stripping Goodwin's Supreme Court bench.
  • Goodwin's AI rollout compresses billing hours, forcing margin defense against lower-priced rivals.
  • If AI commoditizes venture and fund docs, clients unbundle work and squeeze leverage.

What makes Goodwin unique

  • Goodwin's industry-built model pairs life sciences, private equity, and M&A globally.
  • In first-half 2026, its life sciences M&A team led 17 sell-side deals.
  • Its proprietary Claude-powered financing tool targets venture, M&A, litigation, and fund formation workflows.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Professional Development Budget

Wellness Program

Employee Discounts

Company News

Channel NewsAsia
Sep 3rd, 2026
Data at law firms Quinn Emanuel, McDermott exposed in cyber breaches.

Data at law firms Quinn Emanuel, McDermott exposed in cyber breaches. 04 Sep 2026 07:51AM Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. WASHINGTON, Sept 3: Prominent U.S. law firms Quinn Emanuel and McDermott said on Thursday that they suffered recent data breaches and had notified law enforcement, amid heightened cyber risks for firms that hold sensitive client and personal information. It was not clear who was responsible for the two breaches or whether they were related. Large law firms' extensive holdings of confidential business and personal data have made them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Quinn Emanuel said in an August 25 letter to a lawyer for short seller Muddy Waters that some files related to the company were accessed in a breach less than two weeks earlier. The letter, which was viewed by Reuters, said an "unauthorized third party obtained access through social engineering" on August 14, and that some of the information exposed involved Muddy Waters files that Quinn Emanuel obtained in a lawsuit in Florida. Quinn in a statement on Thursday said it identified "a data security incident involving unauthorized access to stored files for a single software application through one temporarily compromised user account." Quinn said "a limited number of client documents were impacted and affected parties have been informed." There is no ongoing unauthorized access to systems, it said. Muddy Waters had previously asked a judge to bar Quinn's involvement in a lawsuit against the short seller in Texas, saying the firm had earlier represented Muddy Waters on related matters. In a statement on Thursday, Muddy Waters said "just when we thought Quinn couldn't be more outrageous than eagerly representing new clients who want to sue old ones, we learned that Quinn failed to protect our sensitive information from social engineering hacking." Quinn Emanuel declined to comment about Muddy Waters' statement. The firm has denied Muddy Waters' conflict-of-interest claims and said a single attorney at the firm briefly represented Muddy Waters on a different matter. McDermott reported its breach last week to the Vermont state attorney general and said it affected Social Security numbers and health data among its files. McDermott in a statement said it responded to "an isolated social engineering incident involving a single user and a limited number of documents," and that it investigated with assistance from cybersecurity experts and engaged with law enforcement. "The matter has been resolved, and the firm's systems remain secure. The confidentiality and privacy of our client and firm information continue to be our highest priority," McDermott said. "Social engineering" hacks can involve manipulating people into revealing sensitive information or granting access to secure systems. At least three other law firms, including Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and Goodwin Procter, disclosed data breaches to U.S. state regulators last month. Another firm, WilmerHale, was sued in July in a proposed class action over a data breach that affected the firm. Read more: Law firms Herbert Smith, Goodwin hit by data breaches Law firm WilmerHale sued in class action after data breach

Goodwin Procter
Sep 2nd, 2026
Goodwin strengthens Life Sciences and public M&A platform with partner Ro Park.

Goodwin strengthens Life Sciences and public M&A platform with partner Ro Park. Professionals Global law firm Goodwin today announced that Rowook (Ro) Park has joined the firm as a partner in its Life Sciences industry group with a focus on public M&A. Ro will be based in Goodwin's San Diego office. "Life sciences companies face an increasingly interconnected set of strategic priorities, governance obligations, and shareholder dynamics," said Stuart Cable, vice chair and global head of M&A at Goodwin. "Ro is an exceptional addition to the firm, bringing the breadth of perspective and judgment that public companies and their boards need to navigate this environment." Ro advises public companies, boards of directors, special committees, and financial advisors on high-stakes mergers and acquisitions and other complex, highly structured transactions, as well as corporate governance and shareholder activism. His life sciences-focused practice spans domestic and cross-border transactions. "Goodwin's combination of deep life sciences expertise, sophisticated M&A capabilities and global reach makes it an exceptional platform for advising companies at their defining moments," said Ro. "I look forward to helping clients navigate transformative transactions that advance their businesses and create meaningful value for their shareholders." Ro's arrival advances Goodwin's continued growth in California - particularly in San Diego - and the firm's public M&A capabilities connected with its global life sciences platform. Together with the recent additions of life sciences partners Matt Wheeler and Matt Bresnahan in San Diego, his arrival builds a more integrated California bench and enhances Goodwin's ability to advise life sciences companies on consequential strategic, transactional, and intellectual property matters. Goodwin is a global leader in mergers and acquisitions, advising on more transactions annually than any other law firm worldwide. With an M&A team spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, the firm brings deep industry insight to clients' most important and complex transactions. Goodwin's team advises public and private companies, private equity and venture capital firms, founders, financial advisors, and investors across the full spectrum of M&A, from strategic acquisitions, carveouts, and take-privates to multifaceted partnerships, restructurings, and SPAC transactions. Drawing on market-leading experience across private equity, technology, life sciences, real estate, investment funds, and healthcare, and supported by highly ranked M&A litigation, restructuring, tax, and insurance experts, the firm helps clients navigate complexity, seize opportunities, and get transformative deals done. Notably, in the first six months of 2026, Goodwin's Life Sciences M&A team advised on 17 sell-side transactions, more than any other law firm in the world.

Global Legal Post
Aug 24th, 2026
Paul Weiss adds Supreme Court litigator from Goodwin in Washington DC.

Paul Weiss adds Supreme Court litigator from Goodwin in Washington DC. William Jay joins as a partner and head of its Supreme Court and appellate litigation practice 24 August 2026 William Jay Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison has hired disputes lawyer William Jay from Goodwin Procter in Washington DC to head up its Supreme Court and appellate litigation practice. Jay joins as a partner, bringing vast experience handling appeals before the US Supreme Court and other federal appeals courts. He has argued 19 cases before the Supreme Court and briefed more than 65 Supreme Court cases on the merits. His practice spans intellectual property, financial services, class actions and mass torts, administrative law, competition, securities litigation and constitutional challenges to state law. Advertisement Paul Weiss chairman, Scott Barshay, said: "Willy is a standout appellate advocate and one of the most respected lawyers in the appellate bar. We're thrilled to welcome him to Paul Weiss, where he will be an invaluable resource for our clients." Jay arrives 14 years at Goodwin, where he was a partner and, latterly, chair of its complex litigation and dispute resolution practice. He previously also chaired its appellate and Supreme Court practice and its Washington DC office. Prior to joining Goodwin he was an assistant to the solicitor general in the US Department of Justice for almost five years, having had two earlier spells as an associate at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher either side of clerking for US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. LAW OVER BORDERS COMPARATIVE GUIDES Mediation Law Guide This first edition of the Law Over Borders Comparative Guide to Mediation considers the development of mediation and its role in the international disputes market, with contributions and insights from leading private practice dispute resolution lawyers and General Counsel... | 1yr. Michael Holston, co-head of Paul Weiss's litigation department, said: "Willy's rare combination of experience, judgement and composure has made him a star in the appellate arena. He is a great fit for our department, and his addition will allow us to continue to deliver excellent results for our clients." Standout victories in the Supreme Court have included Teva Pharmaceuticals USA v. Sandoz, Helsinn Healthcare v. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and Star Athletica v. Varsity Brands. He said: "I am excited to bring my practice to Paul Weiss, a firm that has long been known for the exceptional quality of its lawyers. I have had the privilege to represent clients in the highest courts throughout my career, and I look forward to continuing that work with the support of the platform this firm provides." Jay is the second former assistant to the solicitor general who has joined the firm in the past year, having rehired Masha Hansford as a partner in Washington last September.

Goodwin Procter
Aug 24th, 2026
Goodwin earns top spot for global M&A in H1 2026 League Tables.

Goodwin earns top spot for global M&A in H1 2026 League Tables. PitchBook named Goodwin as the most active firm globally and in the US for representing companies in M&A deals in its Q2 2026 Global League Tables. Goodwin was also named the top law firm by deal count for Pharma, Medical & Biotech M&A in Mergermarket M&A Deal Drivers (Americas and EMEA) League Tables. LSEG ranked Goodwin highly in several categories in its H1 2026 Global Venture Capital and Private Equity Legal Advisory League Tables. These results underscore the strength of Goodwin's global M&A practice and its long-term strategy of pairing sophisticated transactional capabilities with deep knowledge of the industries driving the global economy. Across its six core industry groups - healthcare, investment funds and capital, life sciences, private equity, real estate, and technology - the firm combines sector insight, legal excellence, and practical business judgment to help clients execute their most consequential transactions and achieve their most ambitious business goals. Goodwin's H1/Q2 2026 league table results include: * PitchBook (by deal count) * #1 M&A - Most active globally: companies * #1 M&A - Most active in US: companies * #2 Deals Overall - Europe * #2 Private Equity - IT * #2 Venture Capital - Pharma & BioTech * #2 Venture Capital - Exits * #3 Deals Overall - Global * #3 Deals Overall - US * #3 Venture Capital - Late stage * #3 Venture Capital - Europe * #3 Venture Capital - Energy * #3 Venture Capital - IT hardware * #4 M&A - US * #4 Private Equity - US * #4 Venture Capital - US * #4 Venture Capital - Global * #4 Venture Capital - Early stage * #4 Venture Capital - HC services & systems * #4 Venture Capital - Other * #5 M&A - Global * #5 Private Equity - Global * #5 Private Equity - Healthcare * #5 Private Equity - Other private equity deals * #5 Venture Capital - Software * #5 Venture Capital - Commercial products & services * LSEG Global PE/VC (by deal count) * #2 Advisor to Firm - All Private Equity Stages * #2 Advisor to Firm - VC Rounds * #3 Advisor to Company - LBO & Related Rounds * #3 Advisor to Company - All Private Equity Stages * #3 Advisor to Company - VC Rounds * LSEG Global Capital Markets (by deal count) * #2 US Equity & Equity-related (Issuer) * Mergermarket M&A Deal Drivers (Americas) * #1 Pharma, Medical & Biotech M&A (by deal count) * #2 All Sectors: Mid-Market ($5m - $250m) M&A (by deal count and deal value) * #2 Technology, Media & Telecom M&A (by deal count) * #3 Real Estate M&A (by deal value) * #4 All Sectors M&A (by deal count) * Mergermarket M&A Deal Drivers (EMEA) * #1 Pharma, Medical & Biotech M&A (by deal count) * #3 All Sectors: Mid-Market (€5m - €250m) M&A (by deal count and deal value) * #3 Technology, Media & Telecom M&A (by deal count)

Goodwin Procter
Aug 18th, 2026
Goodwin bolsters Real Estate funds platform with addition of Rebecca Lock.

Goodwin bolsters Real Estate funds platform with addition of Rebecca Lock. Professionals Global law firm Goodwin today announced that Rebecca (Becca) Lock has joined the firm as partner in its Real Estate and Investment Funds and Capital industry groups in the Philadelphia office. "Becca is a highly regarded advisor to real estate fund sponsors, with strong experience across fund formation, raising capital, and complex investment structures," said John Ferguson, leader of Goodwin's Investment Funds and Capital industry group. "Her arrival will further strengthen our market-leading position in the real estate funds market and enhance our ability to advise sponsors and investors on sophisticated transactions. We are delighted to welcome Becca to the firm." Becca focuses on structuring, negotiating, and forming real estate funds and their management companies. She advises global real estate and private equity fund sponsors on establishing open-end and closed-end investment funds, vehicles, and accounts, including programmatic joint ventures and co-investment arrangements. Beyond fund formation, Becca's experience includes complex private equity transactions such as key person events, strategic investments in fund sponsors, minority stake sales, secondaries, seed capital, and anchor investor arrangements. Becca's arrival builds on Goodwin's continued investment in its market-leading Investment Funds and Capital platform, following the recent additions of partners Julia Kolovarsky, Olya Kurilovich, and Daniel Mencaroni in New York. With lawyers across Europe, Asia, and the United States, Goodwin's global Investment Funds and Capital and Real Estate teams advise investment managers, sponsors, and investors on the structuring, raising, financing, and deployment of capital across global markets. Drawing on more than 50 years of experience in fund structuring and deep real estate market knowledge, the firm represents more than 1,000 investment managers worldwide on funds ranging from less than $10 million to more than $25 billion. Goodwin counts 71 of private equity real estate's (PERE) top 100 real estate investment managers among its clients. Goodwin advises across a broad range of strategies, with a special focus in private equity, real estate, technology, and life sciences, and provides integrated counsel spanning private fund formation, acquisitions and dispositions, REITs, M&A, financings, and other complex investment structures. The firm's strength in these practices have earned recognition from Chambers Global, Private Equity International, PERE, and U.S. News - Best Lawyers, including honors for fund formation and real estate fund formation.