Litigation Paralegal

Van Dyke & Associates, APLC; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Dyke & Associates, APLC, a San Diego-based litigation firm focusing on trusts and estates, seeks a full-time on-site Litigation Paralegal. You will support attorneys with document prep, pleadings, discovery, and case management while ensuring deadlines and court rule compliance.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in litigation, paralegal certificate, and strong research/communication skills. This role offers exposure to high-stakes disputes, opportunities to contribute to hearings, trials, and

Qualifications

• Experience preparing and reviewing documents for litigation.
• Proficient in researching case law, statutes, and court rules.
• Experience drafting, formatting, and filing pleadings and motions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize legal documents for litigation.
• Assist with pleadings and motions and manage deadlines.
• Review and summarize documents; conduct legal and factual research.
• Coordinate discovery and communicate with courts, clients, and third parties.
• Maintain organized case records and help prepare for hearings, trials, and appeals.
• Ensure compliance with court rules and firm procedures.

Skills

Legal document preparation

Legal research

Drafting pleadings and motions

Attention to detail

Case management

Multitasking

Education

Paralegal certificate

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Legal case management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Description

Van Dyke & Associates, APLC is an AV-rated law firm located in downtown San Diego, California, focused on complex trust and probate matters. The firm represents individual and fiduciary clients in high-stakes disputes involving trusts and estates. Its practice is limited to litigation, trials, and appeals of contested trust and estate cases, offering deep subject-matter expertise in this niche area. Team members work in a professional environment that emphasizes rigorous advocacy, attention to detail, and client service. More information about the firm can be found at www.vdalaw.com.

Role Description

This full-time, on-site Litigation Paralegal role is based in San Diego, CA. The Litigation Paralegal will support attorneys in trust and estate litigation by preparing and organizing legal documents, assisting with pleadings and motions, and managing case files and deadlines. Daily responsibilities include conducting legal and factual research, reviewing and summarizing documents, coordinating discovery, and communicating with courts, clients, and third parties as directed by attorneys. The role also involves maintaining organized case records, helping prepare for hearings, trials, and appeals, and ensuring compliance with court rules and firm procedures.

Qualifications

• Strong skills in legal document preparation and document review for litigation matters.


• Proficiency in legal research, including case law, statutes, and court rules relevant to trusts and estates.


• Experience drafting, formatting, and filing pleadings and motions in state and/or federal courts.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.


• Ability to manage multiple cases, prioritize deadlines, and work collaboratively with attorneys and staff.


• 2+ years of previous litigation paralegal experience, ideally in trust and estate or civil litigation.


• Familiarity with legal case management software and standard office productivity tools.


• Paralegal certificate or equivalent education and training; bachelor’s degree preferred.


• Compensation: $65,000-$100,000 per year, depending on experience.