Job Summary
Our Orange County Office is seeking an experienced Litigation Paralegal to support attorneys handling complex civil litigation in state, federal and administrative venues. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously, and experience in a law firm environment.
Essential Functions
- Manage all aspects of civil litigation cases, including proactive tracking of case progress and strict attention to deadlines.
- Draft initial versions of a variety of pleadings for matters in federal, state, and administrative forums.
- Prepare initial discovery documents for federal, state, and administrative proceedings.
- Draft initial discovery requests to plaintiff.
- Collaborate with attorneys and clients to gather materials necessary for discovery responses, motion practice, depositions, and other litigation tasks.
- Identify, organize and prepare documents for production, including applying Bates numbering, performing redactions, and maintaining production and privilege logs.
- Coordinate with the e‑discovery team on large‑scale document productions and use Relativity or similar software as needed.
- Prepare deposition documents and subpoenas in compliance with state and federal requirements, monitor responses, coordinate third‑party records production, and develop deposition outlines and summaries.
- Support trial and arbitration preparation, including organizing and managing trial exhibits, preparing initial drafts of witness and exhibit lists, and providing additional trial‑related assistance as needed.
- Perform legal research using tools such as Lexis and PACER as required.
- Conduct background, litigation and social media searches as required.
Qualifications & Skills
- Proficiency in the Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
- Law firm experience in civil defense work; employment law background preferred.
- Experience using timekeeping and billing software;
- Experience with document management systems required;
- Experience in e‑discovery platforms including Relativity is a plus.
Educational & Professional Requirements
- Compliance with California Business & Professions Code 6450 for paralegal practice in the state of CA.
- A minimum of 5 years’ litigation defense experience in a law firm setting is required—preferably in employment law, though this is not mandatory.
Compensation
For California, the expected hourly range for this position is between $40.00 and $50.00 per hour. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law. This position is also eligible for annual bonuses.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Account
- Firm‑paid holidays, vacation and sick time
- Employee assistance program and other firm benefits
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristics protected by law.