Legal Assistant / Paralegal

Legal Assistant / Paralegal

Location: Glendale, CA 91203
Job Type: Contract with potential for permanent hire (Onsite)
Pay Rate: Up to $45/hour DOE

Our client is seeking an experienced Legal Assistant/Paralegal to provide comprehensive litigation and administrative support to attorneys handling civil defense matters. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented legal professional to play a key role throughout the litigation process, from case inception through trial preparation.

Key Responsibilities

• Support attorneys in all phases of civil defense litigation.
• Manage and maintain physical and electronic case files.
• Conduct legal and factual research using Westlaw, court databases, and other legal resources.
• Draft, proofread, and prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, declarations, and legal correspondence.
• Assist with discovery, including drafting requests, reviewing responses, and coordinating document productions.
• Communicate with clients, opposing counsel, medical providers, and other third parties to obtain records and case-related information.
• Prepare case status reports, deposition summaries, discovery summaries, medical summaries, subpoenas, and correspondence.
• File court documents electronically in California state and federal courts, ensuring compliance with filing procedures and deadlines.
• Create and maintain Tables of Authorities (TOAs) and Tables of Contents (TOCs).
• Coordinate record collection and organization, including medical, employment, and other relevant documents.
• Manage attorney calendars and track critical litigation deadlines.
• Assist with trial preparation, including exhibits, witness coordination, trial binders, and courtroom logistics.
• Provide additional administrative and litigation support as needed.

Qualifications

• Paralegal Certificate or Attorney Declaration (Sign-Off) pathway required.
• Experience with ProLaw and/or LexisNexis preferred.
• Bachelor's degree, Associate degree, or Paralegal Studies certification preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of litigation experience; civil defense experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of litigation procedures, legal terminology, court rules, and legal research methods.
• Excellent legal writing, drafting, proofreading, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of working independently.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with legal databases, document management systems, and eFiling platforms.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Background:

• Civil defense litigation experience
• California state and federal court filing experience
• Strong trial preparation and case management skills