Paralegal / Legal Assistant

NACBA; Longview (WA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Bliss Law Firm in Longview, Washington, seeks an experienced Family Law Paralegal to join our team. The role focuses on family law with occasional criminal defense support, requiring strong organization and client service.

Ideal candidates have at least one year of legal assistant experience, familiarity with Washington practice, and proficiency in MyCase and Microsoft Office. Notary public commission or ability to obtain is preferred.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience as a legal assistant, preferably in Washington family law.
• Experience in Cowlitz County preferred but not required.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize deadlines.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and client-focused demeanor.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience drafting pleadings in family law; criminal law is a plus.
• Proficiency with Office tools, cloud-based document management, and MyCase.
• Washington Notary Public commission or ability to obtain soon after hire.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, draft, and finalize legal pleadings and court documents for Washington family law matters.
• Use MyPleadings and other software to prepare family law forms and filings.
• Manage discovery, including drafting requests and responses.
• Maintain case files, deadlines, and court calendars for timely filings.
• Coordinate attorney schedules, hearings, and client meetings.
• Communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, and court staff.
• Assist with legal research and case preparation.
• Prepare trial notebooks, exhibits, and hearing binders.
• Maintain accurate time entries and aim to bill at least four hours per workday.
• Provide general administrative support including front-office tasks.

Skills

Legal drafting

Case management

Time management

Client communication

Professional demeanor

Tools

MyPleadings

Microsoft Office

MyCase

Job description

Job Summary

Bliss Law Firm is seeking an experienced, organized, and proactive Family Law Paralegal to join our team in Longview, Washington. The ideal candidate preferably has at least two years of experience working in a law firm, with a preference for family law experience in Washington State.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes initiative, communicates professionally, has a sense of humor, and can manage projects with minimal supervision. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to providing exceptional client service are essential.

Although this position focuses primarily on family law, our firm also occasionally serves clients in criminal defense. Candidates should be interested in supporting this practice area as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, draft, and finalize legal pleadings and court documents, with an emphasis on Washington family law matters.


• Utilize MyPleadings and other legal software to prepare family law forms and filings.


• Manage discovery, including drafting written discovery requests and responses.


• Maintain case files, deadlines, and court calendars to ensure timely filings and case progression.


• Coordinate attorney schedules, hearings, client meetings, and court appearances.


• Communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, court staff, and third parties.


• Assist with legal research and case preparation.


• Prepare trial notebooks, exhibits, and hearing binders.


• Maintain accurate time entries with the ability to consistently bill at least four hours per workday.


• Provide administrative support as needed, including answering phones, greeting clients, file management, and covering front office responsibilities during staff absences.


• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the legal team.

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least one year of experience as a legal assistant, preferably in Washington family law preferred.


• Experience in Cowlitz County is preferred but not required.


• The ability to work independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and solve problems proactively.


• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.


• Strong interpersonal skills and a professional, client-focused demeanor.


• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with outstanding proofreading abilities.


• Experience drafting pleadings in family law. Experience with criminal law is a plus.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, cloud-based document management systems, and legal practice management software such as MyCase.


• A Washington Notary Public commission, or the ability to obtain one shortly after hire.


• Reliable transportation and a strong record of dependability and attendance.