Litigation Paralegal

FBT Gibbons; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance (short/long-term)

Paid parental leave

Wellbeing programs / EAP

Paid time off

401(k) with employer matching

Job summary

FBT Gibbons LLP is seeking a full-time Paralegal to support attorneys in the trust and estate litigation process. The candidate should have strong litigation experience, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple matters while delivering high-quality legal support.

Responsibilities include researching legal authorities, drafting briefs, handling discovery, and filing with courts. A paralegal certificate or ABA-approved program is required, and candidates with a Bachelor's

Qualifications

• Paralegal program or ABA-approved certification required.
• Bachelor's degree in any field with paralegal training and supervision experience is acceptable.
• Continuing legal education every two years in ethics and general/specialized law is required.

Responsibilities

• Research statutes, cases, and legal articles.
• Prepare briefs, pleadings, and other documents for attorneys.
• Investigate facts and law to determine causes of action.
• Assist with collection, review, and organization of discovery materials.
• Prepare trial binders and other case materials.
• File pleadings with court clerk (in-person and electronic).
• Prepare affidavits and maintain document files.
• Deliver subpoenas to witnesses and parties.
• Record time worked in the billing system.

Skills

MS Office (Outlook & Word)

Verbal & written communication

Cite checking

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Teamwork

Education

Paralegal certificate or ABA-approved program

Bachelor's degree + paralegal program

Job description

FBT Gibbons LLP is a national law firm focused on serving companies operating and investing in the middle market. With nearly 1,500 employees across 26 offices, we support clients ranging from large multinationals to mid-sized businesses and growth-oriented startups across the United States. Our teams collaborate across departments and geographies to deliver excellent service to our clients, colleagues, and the communities we serve.

At FBT Gibbons, diversity enriches our vibrant culture and empowers our teams to achieve more together. We welcome talented professionals who bring valuable skills, a collaborative mindset, and a shared commitment to helping our firm and clients thrive. Here, you'll make meaningful contributions, collaborate with exceptional colleagues, and build a career that grows with your skills and ambitions.

We are currently seeking a full-time Paralegal to play a key role in assisting attorneys with all aspects of case management throughout the trust and estate litigation process.

The ideal candidate brings strong litigation experience, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple matters efficiently while delivering high-quality support to attorneys and clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and analyze sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, legal articles, legal codes, etc.
• Prepare legal documents such as briefs, pleadings, appeals, etc. for review, approval, and use by attorneys.
• Investigate facts and law of case to determine causes of action and to prepare case accordingly.
• Assist with the collection, review, summarization, and organization of electronic and paper discovery materials.
• Prepare trial binders and other materials for case preparation.
• File pleadings with court clerk personally and electronically.
• Prepare affidavits of documents and maintain document files.
• Deliver or direct delivery of subpoenas to witnesses and parties to action.
• Accurately record time worked and enter time and description into time and billing system.

Job Requirements

• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program or post-secondary degree from an institution that requires a minimum of 24 semester (or equivalent) units in law-related courses and has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization, or
• A bachelor's degree in an unrelated major, and have:
  • A certificate of completion of an ABA-approved paralegal program, or
  • A minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who, for at least the preceding three years, has been an active member of the State Bar of California or has practiced in the federal courts of California, and
  • A written declaration from same stating that the paralegal is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
• Additionally, every two years, a paralegal is required to certify completion of the following:
  • Four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in legal ethics, and
  • Four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in either general law or in an area of specialized law.
  • Continuing legal education must meet the requirements established in Section 6070 of the California Business and Professional Code.
• 5-10 years of litigation paralegal experience; trust litigation strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Word.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong cite checking and proofreading skills.
• Extraordinary attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Comfortable performing repetitive tasks.
• Ability to work well under tight deadlines, prioritize, and multi-task when needed.
• Ability to work individually or in team environment.

FBT Gibbons is fully committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of FBT Gibbons to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, military status, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other protected status.

FBT Gibbons offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health care coverage (medical, dental, and vision), life insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, employee wellbeing and EAP programs, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching and profit-sharing. Benefit offerings and eligibility vary by location and are subject to applicable plan terms and legal requirements.

The pay range for this role accounts for the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. For applicants physically based in California, a reasonable estimate of the current range is $50.00 - $72.12 hourly. Actual pay will be determined based on skills, relevant experience and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable employment laws.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. FBT Gibbons does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.