A Paralegal or Legal Assistant assists attorneys and law offices with a variety of tasks ranging from administrative support to legal research and writing. Maintains and organizes files or file databases. Conducts legal or other background research, assists with preparation for trials or hearings, and drafts documents to be filed. Uses software for electronic discovery of materials such as email for a trial. May specialize in a particular area of the law such as corporate or criminal law, family law or real estate law.
The Paralegal Assistant position is a non-exempt, full-time position based in our Santa Monica, California office. Under general direction, this position provides both billable and administrative support to multiple attorneys and paralegals, mainly for the Unlawful Detainer/Eviction group within our Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group. The role serves as a central pillar for assigned timekeepers, ensuring that client matters are handled with precision and confidentiality. The position is responsible for a variety of tasks from document drafting and complex calendar management to billing coordination and due diligence research. The individual will be working in a dynamic environment that requires excellent organization, handling a multitude of tasks simultaneously, independent thinking and self-direction, the ability to work well with people, and determination to get the job done
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Paralegal certificate and/or undergraduate degree highly preferred, but not required.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
Experience:
A minimum of four (4) years of administrative assistant experience is required. A minimum of four (4) years of experience working in a legal environment (law firm or in-house legal department) is highly preferred. Litigation and unlawful detainer/eviction law experience highly preferred.
Technical Skills:
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel); Experience with drafting business documents and professional emails preferred; experience with document management systems and Adobe Acrobat preferred; experience with billing time to clients preferred.
Organizational & Time Management Skills:
Ability to organize files, manage routine administrative tasks, and handle multiple assignments while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Judgment, Initiative & Prioritization:
Applies sound judgment, initiative, and basic prioritization skills to complete assigned tasks accurately and on time, following established procedures.
Communication & Collaboration:
Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills; ability to work effectively with attorneys, paralegals, clients, and administrative staff.
Confidentiality & Professionalism:
Demonstrates discretion, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality when handling sensitive information. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.
