We are looking for an experienced Legal Assistant/Paralegal to support a small practice in the East Bay. This role combines substantive paralegal work with legal administrative and office coordination responsibilities in a firm focused on real estate, construction, and business disputes. The ideal candidate brings strong judgment, advanced organizational skills, and confidence using legal technology in a fast-paced civil litigation environment.
Responsibilities:
- Manage case documents from intake through trial, including organizing, reviewing, and analyzing records for active civil litigation matters.
- Prepare discovery materials and assist with drafting pleadings, motions, and other case-related documents as needed.
- Conduct legal research using platforms such as Westlaw and other technology tools to support attorneys in case strategy and preparation.
- Evaluate and screen prospective client inquiries, gathering key information and helping determine next steps for attorney review.
- Coordinate trial preparation by assembling exhibits, binders, and other materials required for hearings, depositions, and trial.
- Handle civil court filings, arrange service of documents, and ensure submissions meet court rules and deadlines.
- Maintain calendars and scheduling for litigation events, client meetings, and court-related obligations.
- Build and maintain organized electronic and administrative files, while also supporting office operations, recordkeeping, and supply management.
- Assist with accounts payable and accounts receivable tasks to help keep daily firm operations running smoothly.
- At least 7 years of legal assistant or paralegal experience supporting civil litigation matters, preferably in real estate, construction, or business disputes.
- Demonstrated ability to manage litigation documents, discovery, legal research, and trial preparation with minimal supervision.
- Experience handling e-filing, service of process, calendaring, and electronic case file management in a civil litigation setting.
- Strong technical skills, including proficiency with legal research tools such as Westlaw; familiarity with AI-enabled legal tools and Nextpoint is a plus.
- Proven employment stability and a record of strong references.
- Excellent written communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
- Ability to contribute across paralegal, legal assistant, and office administrative functions in a small firm environment.