Paralegal Assistant (Litigation)

Position Summary

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.

Benefits

Medical, Vision, Dental, PTO, 401k, Life, Disability

Primary Responsibilities

• Interacts with staff at all levels in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient.
• Deliver exceptional client service both internally and externally in a professional manner with discretion and confidentiality.
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with other shared services departments.
• Independently use sound judgment and initiative to develop project timelines. Anticipate business needs of timekeepers; prioritize assignments, meet deadlines.
• Aid timekeepers with organization, preparing, drafting, and proofreading documents, including cross-referencing, and running document comparisons and other administrative tasks.
• Create, maintain, and index client files, paper and electronic records.
• Proactively manage busy calendars, prioritizing meeting requests with internal and external groups; schedule meetings, inform others of timekeepers’ whereabouts.
• Collaborate with Accounting to ensure accuracy in billing pursuant to client requirements; perform pre-bill edits, prepare invoices for payment as requested by timekeepers.
• Review and submit conflict checks, new clients and client matters.
• Track and record time in time entry system to ensure services provided are appropriately documented.
• Work with supervising attorney to compare, analyze, update, and produce documents relating to client matters.
• Assist and support attorneys with research and due diligence.
• May need to interact with clients, courts and opposing counsel; participate in meetings discussing sensitive or confidential matters.
• Develop and apply basic knowledge and procedures to complete assigned projects and tasks; develop proficiency in technology relevant to position.
• Achieve an annual 700 hour billable requirement.
• Understand technical legal terminology.

Qualifications

• Education: Paralegal certificate and/or undergraduate degree highly preferred, but not required.
• 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.

Supervisory Responsibility

None, individual contributor.

Working Conditions

Primarily performed in an office environment with frequent interaction across attorneys, paralegals, and administrative teams. Occasional travel to court, other office locations, or external administrative sites may be required. Work hours are generally standard business hours; occasional evenings or weekends may be required to meet deadlines or support urgent matters. Fast-paced, collaborative environment requiring adaptability, strong attention to detail, and effective prioritization.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods while performing administrative duties.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. for filing, document handling, or office materials.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions, including typing, filing, and scanning.
• Ability to bend, reach, and handle office equipment.
• Adequate visual and auditory ability to accurately review legal documents, read computer screens, printed materials, and communicate effectively.