Paralegal

Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP); Santa Maria (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) seeks a paralegal assistant to support attorneys with casework across California’s Central Coast.

You will interview clients and witnesses, draft pleadings, manage case files, and assist with trial preparation while handling confidential information. This fast-paced, multilingual environment values strong research and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in paralegal studies or related field; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Some related experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of legal language, research methods, pleadings and processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Responsibilities

• Meets with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects.
• Drafts legal documents including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits, and interrogatories; files motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures.
• Researches and analyzes statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provides written analysis to attorneys.
• Interviews clients and witnesses and prepares summaries of their statements.
• Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, exhibits, and other items.
• Assists attorneys with trial preparation, which may include attending trials and hearings.
• Develops and maintains records regarding billable hours spent on specific cases.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Analytical skills

Confidentiality

Discretion

Stress management

Education

Associate degree in paralegal studies

Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

LOCATION: Oxnard, Santa Maria, Paso Robles

STATUS: Non-exempt

HOURS OF WORK:40 hours per week, grant funded until June 30, 2028

ABOUT MIXTECO INDIGENA COMMUNITY ORGANIZING PROJECT

Founded in 2001, Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) supports, organizes and empowers the indigenous migrant communities of California’s Central Coast through improved access to health and community resources, community organizing, language interpretation, education, direct assistance, cultural promotion, and our indigenous-led Radio Indígena community radio station. MICOP offers a fast-paced, multilingual and multicultural work environment dedicated to carrying out our mission.

Summary

This position is responsible for assisting attorney(s) by providing clerical and research support services including document preparation and review; interviewing clients and witnesses; research, investigations, and fact checking; and trial preparation.

Responsibilities

• Meets with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects.
• Drafts legal documents including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits, and interrogatories; files motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures.
• Researches and analyzes statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provides written analysis to attorneys.
• Interviews clients and witnesses and prepares summaries of their statements.
• Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, exhibits, and other items.
• Assists attorneys with trial preparation, which may include attending trials and hearings.
• Develops and maintains records regarding billable hours spent on specific cases.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Associate degree in paralegal studies or related field; Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies or related field preferred.
• Some related experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software