Family Law Paralegal / Law Clerk
Location: San Diego, California
Job Type: Full-time
Compensation: $30–$45 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications, plus bonus opportunities
Position Overview
The Zhou Law Group is seeking a detail-oriented, responsible, and motivated Family Law Paralegal or Law Clerk to join our team.
The ideal candidate will have strong legal writing, organizational, and communication skills and an interest in developing a long-term career in family law. Prior family law experience is preferred; however, candidates with a strong academic background, careful work habits, and demonstrated ability to learn quickly are also encouraged to apply.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin is preferred because our firm serves clients from diverse cultural and international backgrounds, including many Chinese-speaking families.
Responsibilities
- Assist attorneys with drafting pleadings, declarations, discovery requests and responses, correspondence, and other legal documents.
- Review and proofread legal documents for accuracy, completeness, grammar, and formatting.
- Organize, maintain, and update electronic and physical case files.
- Calendar hearings, filing deadlines, discovery deadlines, and other important case dates.
- Assist attorneys with hearing, deposition, mediation, and trial preparation.
- Compile and organize exhibits, financial records, discovery responses, and other supporting materials.
- Communicate professionally with clients, courts, opposing counsel, experts, and other parties.
- Coordinate with attorneys, paralegals, law clerks, and administrative staff regarding case assignments and deadlines.
- Maintain client confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
- Complete other case-related and administrative tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
Candidates should meet the qualifications for either the Law Clerk or Paralegal track:
Law Clerk
- JD, LLM, or current enrollment in an accredited JD or LLM program.
- Strong interest in California family law and litigation.
- Legal research and writing experience.
Paralegal
- Paralegal certificate, qualifying education and experience, or other qualifications appropriate for paralegal work in California.
- Prior experience in a family law firm is preferred.
- Experience drafting legal documents and managing case files is preferred.
General Requirements
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and competing deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
- Professional communication skills when working with attorneys, clients, courts, and outside parties.
- Self-motivated, dependable, and able to learn new procedures quickly.
- Positive attitude, sound judgment, and high integrity.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and handle sensitive or stressful matters professionally.
- Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys and team members at all levels of experience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn legal case-management and document-management systems.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin is preferred.
About The Zhou Law Group
The Zhou Law Group is an established and growing California law firm focused exclusively on family law. Our team includes Certified Family Law Specialists, experienced attorneys, paralegals, law clerks, and dedicated administrative professionals.
We represent clients in a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, property division, domestic violence and restraining orders, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. We also handle complex and high-net-worth matters involving businesses, real estate, cryptocurrency, digital assets, and international or cross-border issues.
Our Mission
We are committed to delivering professional, efficient, and empathetic legal solutions to clients facing significant life challenges. We protect our clients’ rights and guide them through difficult transitions so they can move forward into the next stage of their lives.
Our Values
- Professionalism and Integrity: We maintain high professional standards and act with honesty and integrity.
- Responsibility and Commitment: We take ownership of our work and fulfill our commitments.
- Hard Work and Excellence: We continually improve our skills and strive to provide excellent service.
- Empathy and Dedication: We approach every client with care, understanding, and dedication.
- Respect and Gratitude: We treat our clients, colleagues, and communities with respect and appreciation.
Our Work Model and Culture
The Zhou Law Group provides its employees with the technology, resources, training, and administrative support needed to perform effectively.
Paralegals and law clerks work closely with assigned attorneys and other members of the legal team. Together, they assist with cases from initiation through final judgment. Additional support may be provided for particularly complex or demanding matters.
We believe professional excellence and approachability can and should coexist. We value respectful communication, constructive feedback, accountability, teamwork, and recognition of excellent work. Our goal is to maintain high standards while providing opportunities for professional development and long-term growth.
Our firm serves clients from diverse cultural and international backgrounds, including many Chinese-speaking immigrant families. Cultural awareness and a willingness to understand the needs and expectations of our clients are important to success in this role.
Areas of Practice
- Dissolution of marriage
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Domestic violence and restraining orders
- Property and asset division
- Complex and high-net-worth marital estates
- Business interests, cryptocurrency, and digital assets
- International and cross-border family law matters
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation
- Bonus opportunities
- Comprehensive employee benefits for eligible employees
- Support from experienced attorneys and legal professionals
- Hands-on exposure to California family law matters
- Professional development and long-term growth opportunities
- Team-building activities
- A respectful and collaborative working environment
- Recognition for excellent performance and meaningful contributions
Schedule
- Monday through Friday
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Eight-hour shift
- No regular travel required
Culture and Diversity
The Zhou Law Group is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive professional community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We believe that different backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and perspectives strengthen our organization and enable us to better serve our clients and communities.
Learn more about our firm at www.sanjoseattorneys.com.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $45.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Do you have an LLM or JD degree?
Experience:
- Family Law Paralegal: 2 years (Preferred)
Language:
Ability to Commute:
- San Diego, CA 92122 (Required)
Work Location: In person
