Job Title: Sr. Family Law Paralegal
Location: San Diego / Escondido, CA (On-site) Firm Type: Family Law Litigation
Job Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Family Law Paralegal to expand our team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience navigating the California family law system, from initial filing through trial preparation. You will be responsible for managing a heavy caseload, drafting legal documents, calendaring, meeting filing deadlines, and ensuring respectful communication with clients and the court.
Key Responsibilities
- Document Preparation: Draft and finalize Petitions, Responses, Declarations of Disclosures, Requests for Order (RFOs), Income & Expense Declarations, and Judgments.
- Financial Calculations: Prepare accurate support calculations (child and spousal) using XSpouse.
- Case Management: Maintain organized digital files and track deadlines within Clio.
- Timekeeping & Billing: Ensure all billable time is captured accurately using Clio.
- Discovery: Draft and respond to discovery requests, including Form Interrogatories, Requests for Production, and Subpoenas.
- Court Filing: Handle electronic filings (e-filing) via the San Diego Superior Court portal and ensure compliance with local rules.
- Communication: Act as a primary point of contact for clients, opposing counsel, and court clerks.
- Collaborative Support: Primary focus on supporting one dedicated attorney, with the flexibility to cross-train and provide coverage for team members as needed.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Experience: 5+ years of experience as a Family Law Paralegal in California.
- Technical Proficiency (Must-Have):
- Legal Software: Familiarity with CEB Essential Forms, Xspouse and similar tools.
- Practice Management: Proficiency in Clio Manage, Draft, and Grow.
- Productivity: Advanced skills in Microsoft Word (pleading formatting, TOC/TOA).
- Billing: Experience with Clio or similar time-tracking and billing software.
- Local Knowledge: Solid understanding of San Diego County local court rules and procedures.
- Certification: Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program (in compliance with CA Business and Professions Code § 6450).
Preferred Attributes
- Notary Public commission is a plus.
- Strong empathetic communication skills for handling sensitive family matters.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced Escondido-based practice.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $75,000-$150,000 (Starting pay is DOE).
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM on-site in Escondido
Pay: $75,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- Which Case Management system are you most comfortable using for calendaring and document storage: MyCase, Clio, or another system?
- Are you currently in compliance with CA Business and Professions Code § 6450 regarding paralegal certification and CLE requirements?
- How many years of experience do you have as a paralegal in family law in San Diego County?
Work Location: In person
