Job Description
The paralegal performs substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts, which, in the state of California, must be performed under the direction and supervision of a licensed attorney.
Litigation experience:
Case Management & Organization:
Establish, organize, and maintain detailed case files and legal documentation (both physical and electronic).
Monitor case deadlines, calendar court dates, and manage the attorney's schedule.
Maintain detailed time tracking records.
Prefer experience in communicating and negotiating with third party insurance
Legal Research & Investigation:
Conduct legal research on statutes, case law, and regulations using resources like Westlaw or LexisNexis.
Gather facts, retrieve information, and investigate case details.
Locate and contact witnesses, and arrange for interviews.
Document Drafting & Analysis:
Draft and prepare a variety of legal documents, including pleadings, motions, affidavits, declarations, contracts, legal memoranda, and correspondence.
Assist with the preparation and analysis of formal discovery requests and responses (e.g., interrogatories, requests for production).
Prepare and organize exhibits, trial notebooks, and documents for trials, hearings, and depositions.
Client and Court Interaction:
Maintain consistent communication with clients, witnesses, opposing counsel, court personnel, and third parties (e.g., insurance companies, medical providers).
Assist with the filing and service of legal documents with the appropriate courts and agencies.
II. Bilingual Duties & Responsibilities
The "bilingual" aspect is often vital in practice areas like Immigration Law, Criminal Law, Personal Injury, and Civil Litigation , and requires both verbal and written fluency in English and the second language (e.g., Spanish).
Verbal Interpretation & Communication:
Act as an interpreter during attorney-client meetings, phone calls, and, occasionally, depositions or client-facing workshops.
Communicate with clients and witnesses who are more comfortable speaking in the second language, ensuring clear and accurate understanding of legal matters.
Document Translation:
Accurately translate legal documents, correspondence, and client-provided materials (such as foreign police reports or medical records) from the second language to English and vice versa.
Cultural Competency:
Bridge cultural and communication gaps, demonstrating sensitivity and professionalism when dealing with diverse clients and communities.
III. Required Skills & Qualifications
Language Proficiency:
Fluency in English and a second language (e.g., Spanish) is required —both written and verbal, with the ability to handle complex legal terminology in both.
Education/Experience:
Completion of an accredited paralegal program (certificate or degree).
Typically requires a minimum of 1-5 years of experience as a paralegal or legal assistant (depending on the firm's needs).
Knowledge of legal research methods and relevant state and federal procedures.
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Experience with legal case management and billing software.
Ability to perform computerized legal research.
Soft Skills:
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently, manage a high-volume caseload, and meet tight deadlines.
Professional demeanor and ethical adherence to rules of confidentiality.
California Paralegal Credentials (Business and Professions Code Sec. 6450)
To use the title "Paralegal" or "Legal Assistant" in California, a person must meet the educational requirements defined by California Business and Professions Code Sec. 6450.
A person qualifies as a paralegal in California if they meet one of the following four requirements:
Paralegal Certificate: A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Paralegal Program: A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires completion of at least 24 semester units or equivalent in legal specialty courses.
Bachelor's Degree + Experience: A bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree in any field, plus a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of a California attorney, and 24 hours of continuing legal education in the two years immediately preceding and during the employment.
Experienced Paralegal: A high school diploma or equivalent, plus a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of a California attorney, and 24 hours of continuing legal education in the two years immediately preceding and during the employment.
Note on Credentialing: The bilingual aspect of the job does not change the core legal requirements for using the title "Paralegal" in California, but it requires an additional, high level of proficiency in a second language to fulfill the specialized duties.
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