Legal Assistant / Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Legal Assistant / Paralegal / Pre-Law Intern

San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara, California

Law Offices of John C. Carlson, P.C.
Compensation: $20–$25 per hour, depending on experience
Job Type: Part-time
Location: San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara, CA

About the Firm

The Law Offices of John C. Carlson, P.C. is a small litigation-focused law firm handling criminal defense and plaintiff-side personal injury matters throughout California’s Central Coast. The firm maintains offices in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo and offers substantial hands-on exposure to litigation, client interaction, and court procedures.

This position is ideal for a pre-law student, law student, legal assistant, or trained paralegal interested in gaining practical experience in criminal defense and civil litigation.

Position Summary

The firm is seeking a part-time Legal Assistant / Paralegal / Intern based in the San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara area to assist with an active criminal defense and personal injury caseload. The position involves both administrative and substantive legal work and provides direct mentorship from the managing attorney.

The selected candidate will work closely with the managing attorney and other legal assistants and will receive regular instruction and feedback through Zoom meetings and in-person collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Answer phone calls
• Draft legal documents, including:
  • Complaints
  • Discovery requests and responses
  • Motions
  • Restraining orders
  • Criminal case documents and filings
• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda
• Organize and maintain physical and electronic case files
• Communicate with clients by phone and email to gather case information
• Communicate with court clerks regarding filings, hearings, and case updates
• Electronically file legal documents with California courts
• Assist with general case management and litigation support

Qualifications

Preferred candidates include:

• Pre-law undergraduate students
• Law students
• Paralegals or legal assistants with prior training or experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills
• Attention to detail and reliability
• Basic familiarity with legal research and court procedures
• The ability to work independently and manage deadlines
• Professional communication skills when interacting with clients and court staff

Prior legal experience is preferred but not required.

Schedule & Work Environment

• In-office position
• Flexible work schedule
• Expected workload: approximately 10–25 hours per week
• Work hours between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Primary work location:
  1035 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or 890 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
  Both located adjacent to the downtown courthouse

Duration & Start Date

• Target start date: June 1, 2026
• Preferred duration: 3 months to 1 year
• Summer 2026 applicants are encouraged to apply
• Longer-term opportunities may be available depending on performance and firm needs

Compensation

• $20–$25 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
• Probation Period: 3 months
• Benefits: retirement plan and PTO after 3 months

Why This Position

This position offers a practical introduction to litigation and day-to-day law practice in a small-firm setting. The selected candidate will gain direct exposure to criminal defense and personal injury matters and will work closely with the managing attorney on active cases.

How to Apply

Please send résumé and brief cover letter.

For more information about the firm, visit: