Litigation Paralegal (Los Angeles)

Sheppard; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 7,026,000 - 13,321,000; Full time

Job summary

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton in Los Angeles seeks an experienced Litigation Paralegal to support attorneys through all phases of litigation, from case initiation to discovery, through trial and appeals.

The role requires extensive knowledge of federal, state, and appellate rules, with strong organizational, technical, and communication skills to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of litigation paralegal experience in a law firm.
• Ability to self‑manage projects and monitor discovery and filing deadlines.
• Handle multiple projects with changing priorities independently.
• Experience with voluminous document productions and e‑discovery.
• Working knowledge of Superior, Federal, and U.S. District Court rules.

Responsibilities

• Communicate regularly with the team and double‑check work before review and filing.
• Prepare pleadings and discovery documents for filing and service (e.g., complaint, MSJ, sealed documents).
• Conduct fact investigation, analysis, strategy, and document/file management.
• Manage casework and deadlines; communicate calendar updates to Docket & Calendar Team.
• Support trial efforts by coordinating collection/preparation of trial exhibits and documents.
• Attend trial proceedings to provide on‑site support to attorneys and teams.

Skills

Litigation experience

E-discovery

Case management

Deadline tracking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Windows 10

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Zoom

Teams

TrueFiling

Relativity TextMap

CaseMap

PageVault

Job description

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, a global Am Law 50 firm, has an immediate opening for a Litigation Paralegal in the Los Angeles Office. There is only one opening.

Job Summary

The Litigation Paralegal will provide comprehensive support to litigation department attorneys throughout all phases of the litigation process, from the initiation of a case to the discovery period, through trial, post-trial findings, and appeals. This position requires extensive knowledge of litigation, trial procedures, federal, state and appellate court rules and procedures nationwide. Technical, organizational, and administrative skills are necessary to handle the variety of duties and responsibilities outlined below. The position handles multiple projects, often in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment, requiring prioritization and flexibility. Collaboration with firm personnel at all levels is integral to the role.

Essential Functions

• Communicates regularly with the team. Double checks work product before presenting attorneys for review and again before sending or filing.
• Prepare pleadings and discovery documents for filing and service, including advanced documents (e.g. complaint, motion for summary judgment, documents under seal).
• Conduct fact investigation and development, analysis and strategy, and document and file management.
• Proactively manage casework and assignments, ensuring all deadlines are met in a timely manner. Communicate calendar and docket updates to the Docket & Calendar Team.
• Support trial efforts as needed, including assisting attorneys by coordinating the collection and preparation of trial exhibits, files, and all other supporting documents.
• Attend trial proceedings to provide on‑site support to attorneys and legal teams.
• Must be available and able to work during core business hours.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 8+ years of Litigation Paralegal experience working in a law firm.
• Ability to self‑manage projects and monitor discovery and filing deadlines to ensure completion of pending projects and compliance with statutory pre‑trial deadlines.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities while working independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with voluminous document productions and e‑discovery.
• Working knowledge of Superior, Federal, and U.S. District Courts rules and procedures.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.
• Possess excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.

Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is required, plus substantial and relevant work experience. A bachelor's degree or some college is preferred.

License and Certification

An ABA‑approved paralegal certification is required.

Computer/Software Knowledge

Must have proficiency in Windows 10, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Zoom, and Teams. Experience with TrueFiling, Relativity TextMap, CaseMap, PageVault, or other document management system is preferred. Must be able to quickly learn new skills and systems.

Work Environment

• Working indoors with limited exposure to hazards (only those that customarily come up with working in a high‑rise building).
• Indoor office work environment in a cubical or workstation.
• The current Firm policy is hybrid–working in the office a minimum of 4 days per week and working from home the rest of the week (subject to change).
• Overtime may be required as the job duties demand.

Travel Requirements

Up to 10%

Salary

California: The salary range for this position is $51.00 - $76.00 per hour.

Sheppard is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, protected medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.