Trial Paralegal

Turner Henningsen Wolf & VanDenburg; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

PTO

Business casual dress code

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Turner Henningsen Wolf & VanDenburg, LLP seeks an experienced Trial Paralegal to support complex matters in the automotive and consumer warranty sector. Conduct in-depth legal research, draft documents, and manage case files with attorneys and staff.

Strong knowledge of civil litigation and trial preparation required. The role requires 3+ years paralegal experience in litigation, familiarity with CCP/CRC, e-filing portals, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management tools.

Qualifications

• Certificate or degree in law with ABA-approved paralegal program or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Drafting legal documents and notices for trial; manage calendars.
• Strictly manage trial deadlines per CCP/CRC and local rules.
• Prepare joint pretrial statements, witness lists, and exhibit lists; draft jury instructions.
• Prepare MILs and other trial documents for filing and service.
• Set up trial binders, MILs binders, and Exhibit binders.
• Coordinate with courtroom graphics vendors and trial presentation software.
• Operate presentation software to display exhibits and track admissibility.
• Serve as liaison between trial attorney, office, and court clerk.

Skills

Legal research

Deadline management

Communication

Independent work

Leadership

Education

ABA-approved paralegal certificate

BA/BS in law-related field

Law coursework 24+ units

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Case management software

e-filing portals

Job description

Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid Schedule)
Reports To: Senior Paralegal / Managing Attorney

Compensation: $33.65 + /hour DOE, Non-exempt

Job Summary:
Turner Henningsen Wolf & VanDenburg, LLP seeks an experienced Trial Paralegal to support our legal team in handling complex legal matters within the automotive and consumer warranty defense sector. In this role, you will perform in-depth legal research, draft legal documents, and manage case files while collaborating closely with attorneys and legal support staff. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of legal procedures, civil litigation and experience in trial preparation.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

Pre-Trial Management

• Drafting Legal Documents: drafting/serving notices to appear at trial, objections to notices to appear at trial, joint stipulations to continue trial, trial calendars.
• Trial Deadlines - Strictly managing the litigation deadlines in compliance with the California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP), California Rules of Court (CRC), and local county court rules

Trial Preparation

• Pre-Trial Filings - Preparing drafts of joint pretrial statements, witness lists, comprehensive exhibit lists, and proposed jury instructions (using CACI—California Civil Jury Instructions); drafting, filing and serving: MILs proposed orders and other trial documents
• Exhibit Management - Preparing trial binders, MILs binders and Exhibit binders
• Trial Technology Setup - Coordinating with courtroom graphics vendors or setting up trial presentation software for electronic exhibit presentation

In-Court Trial Support

• Courtroom Logistics - Managing the physical setup of the counsel table, ensuring all binders, electronics, and backup evidence are accessible
• Exhibit Presentation - Operating presentation software to display exhibits for the jury, tracking which exhibits are offered, admitted, or objected to in real-time
• Liaison Work - Serving as the point of contact between the trial attorney, the office, and the court clerk

Required Qualifications

• Ability to work as a Paralegal in accordance with the CA Legal Professions code: possess a certificate of completion from a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association, a certificate or degree from an accredited postsecondary institution requiring at least 24 semester units in law-related courses, or a bachelor's degree combined with a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the direct supervision of an active California attorney who signs a formal written declaration
• 3+ years of experience as a paralegal in litigation, preferably in the automotive or consumer warranty sectors
• Practical familiarity with the CCP, California Rules of Court, and e-filing portals for major California courts (such as Los Angeles Superior Court's e-filing and the federal CM/ECF system)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and case management software
• Knowledge of Bates stamping
• Experience in locating, reviewing and applying local and department rules/deadlines
• Experience with trial preparation software
• Advanced knowledge of legal procedures and case management
• Proven ability to handle complex legal matters
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, 401(K) up to 4% company matching, PTO

• Business casual dress code

• Clear growth track and leadership opportunities

Our firm is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We are dedicated to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, ancestry, religious creed, age, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, military and veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply and value the unique perspectives and experiences of a diverse workforce.

Note: We do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or third-party recruiters. Any resumes submitted without a signed agreement will become the property of Turner Henningsen Wolf and VanDenburg LLP, and no fees will be paid.