Junior Paralegal

Law Office of Susan A. Katzen; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 33,062 - 39,950; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, &

Job summary

The Law Office of Susan A. Katzen in Newport Beach is seeking a Junior Paralegal who is dependable, organized, and eager to learn. The firm specializes in Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Trust Administration, Probate, Conservatorships, and Settlement Planning.

Ideal candidates will have a Paralegal Certificate or CA §6450 qualification, be highly organized, and capable of clear communication. This is a hands-on, long-term opportunity with professional development and a supportive team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six (6) months of experience in a law firm.
• Paralegal Certificate or qualification under California Business Professions Code § 6450.
• Strong follow-through, accountability, and time management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; Actionstep experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist with special needs, estate planning, trust administration, probate, and conservatorship cases.
• Prepare court hearing and client files, initial drafts of pleadings, and other court documents.
• Communicate with clients, courts, financial advisors, trustees, law firms, and other personnel.
• File documents with the court, mail-serving documents, and schedule court appearances.
• Assist with client meetings, including Estate Planning signing meetings.
• Maintain and monitor case progress, deadlines, and important timeframes/milestones.
• Document information in the law firm’s practice management system.
• Support the office with answering phones, special projects, and general administrative duties.

Skills

Time management

Communication

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Attention to detail

Education

Paralegal Certificate

CA Business Professions Code § 6450 qualification

Tools

Actionstep

Job description

Do you take pride in being the person who always follows through? Are you highly organized, an excellent communicator, and someone who genuinely enjoys helping people? If so, we'd love to meet you. The Law Office of Susan A. Katzen is a highly respected boutique law firm in Newport Beach practicing exclusively in Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Trust Administration, Probate, Conservatorships, and Settlement Planning. For more than 45 years, we’ve helped clients and their families through significant life changes, ensuring they feel cared for and supported by a team that truly advocates for them. We are seeking a Junior Paralegal who is dependable, organized, and eager to learn.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching (after the qualification period)
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Paid parking
• Professional development and continuing education
• Career growth opportunities
• Volunteer opportunities supporting the special needs community

Ideal Team Member

• Owns their work and follows every task through to completion.
• Communicates early and often.
• Thrives on organization and efficiency.
• Looks for solutions instead of excuses.
• Treats every client with kindness, dignity, and respect.
• Believes details matter because people matter.
• Seeks a long-term career—not just another job.

Position Not a Good Fit

• Need frequent reminders to complete assignments and follow instructions.
• Miss deadlines or overlook details.
• Prefer minimal communication.
• Want a remote or hybrid position.
• Are simply looking for a paycheck instead of meaningful work.

Responsibilities

• Assist with special needs, estate planning, trust administration, probate, and conservatorship cases.
• Prepare court hearing and client files, initial drafts of pleadings, and other court documents.
• Communicate with clients, courts, financial advisors, trustees, law firms, and other personnel.
• File documents with the court, mail-serving documents, and schedule court appearances.
• Assist with client meetings, including Estate Planning signing meetings.
• Maintain and monitor case progress, deadlines, and important timeframes/milestones.
• Document information in the law firm’s practice management system.
• Support the office with answering phones, special projects, and general administrative duties, as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of six (6) months of experience in a law firm.
• Paralegal Certificate or qualification under California Business Professions Code § 6450.
• Strong follow-through, accountability, and time management.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional, positive, compassionate attitude.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; Actionstep experience is a plus.
• Reliable commute to Newport Beach.

Compensation

$24 – $29 hourly DOE