Litigation Paralegal (Multiple Offices - CA)

Sheppard; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,257 - 104,697; Full time

Job summary

Sheppard Mullin, a global Am Law 50 firm, seeks an experienced Litigation Paralegal to support attorneys through all phases of the litigation lifecycle. Based in California, the role covers case inception, pleadings, discovery, motion practice, trial prep and appellate filings, with hybrid work options.

The ideal candidate has 4–7 years of paralegal experience, strong organizational skills, and proficiency with document management systems; ABA-certified preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare pleadings and discovery documents for filing and service, including advanced documents.
• Conduct fact investigation and development, analysis and strategy, and document/file management.
• Support trial efforts: coordinating collection and preparation of trial exhibits and supporting documents.
• Attend trial proceedings to provide on-site support to attorneys and legal teams.
• Billing requirement of 1600 hours per year.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Team collaboration

Discretion/ethics

Education

High school diploma

ABA-approved paralegal certification

Bachelor's degree preferred

Some college

Tools

Relativity TextMap

CaseMap

PageVault

TrueFiling

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Zoom

Teams

Job description

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, a global Am Law 50 firm, has an immediate opening for a Litigation Paralegal.

We are considering candidates in any of our U.S. offices including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego (Del Mar), San Diego (Downtown). There is only one opening.

Job Summary

Sheppard Mullin is hiring an experienced, well-organized Litigation Paralegal to support litigation attorneys through all phases of the litigation lifecycle, from case inception and pleadings through discovery, motion practice, trial preparation and support, post-trial proceedings, and appellate filings.

This position requires extensive knowledge of litigation and trial procedures, as well as familiarity with federal, state, and appellate court rules and procedures nationwide. Experience supporting healthcare-related litigation is preferred. Strong technical, organizational, and administrative skills are essential to manage the variety of responsibilities outlined below. The role involves handling multiple projects in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and requires strong prioritization, flexibility, and collaboration with firm personnel at all levels.

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.
• 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.
• Billing requirement of 1600 hours per year.
• 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 4-7 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 3 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

Minimal domestic travel may be required to other SMRH offices and trials, up to 10%.

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.