Litigation Paralegal

Our client is a boutique trust and estate litigation firm specializing in representing trustees and beneficiaries in complex probate and trust disputes. The firm is known for its high-performing, collaborative team that values accountability, communication, and excellence in client service.

This is a key role within the litigation team, offering ownership over a caseload and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to case strategy, workflow management, and client outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Case Management & Workflow Oversight
• Manage a portfolio of trust and probate litigation matters from intake through resolution or trial
• Monitor case progress using internal systems and ensure matters are advancing appropriately
• Identify and escalate issues such as overdue tasks, stalled cases, billing delays, or extended timelines
• Coordinate with responsible attorneys to ensure weekly case status updates are completed
• Ensure monthly client case status letters are prepared and sent consistently

Litigation Support & Execution

• Handle all phases of active litigation matters, including court filings (electronic and physical)
• Draft, prepare, and edit legal documents and discovery responses
• Conduct document review, legal research, cite-checking, and shepherdizing
• Prepare deposition summaries, trial binders, exhibit lists, and trial support materials
• Maintain organized case files and ensure case management systems are updated and accurate
• Manage deadlines, calendars, and litigation milestones to ensure timely execution

Communication & Team Support

• Serve as a central communication point between attorneys, clients, and support staff
• Support onboarding and initial case planning meetings with new clients
• Mentor junior paralegals and legal assistants as needed
• Review and monitor time entries for accuracy and completeness

Strategic & Operational Contribution

• Anticipate case next steps and proactively manage workflow
• Identify workload or case progression issues and collaborate with the team to resolve
• Support special projects assigned by firm leadership
• Ensure compliance with firm standards for case progression and performance metrics

Qualifications

• 5+ years of litigation paralegal experience
• At least 3+ years of trust and estate litigation experience
• Experience supporting at least 25 depositions and 3 trials
• Strong knowledge of Probate Code, California Rules of Court (CRC), and Code of Civil Procedure (CCP)
• Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat Pro (OCR, Bates stamping, document management)
• Familiarity with Trial Director or similar litigation support tools
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Experience with case management systems (Clio or similar preferred)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage time entries accurately and consistently

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with safe harbor matching
• Health savings account (HSA) and FSA options
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid professional development opportunities
• Internal growth and leadership opportunities