Litigation Paralegal

(Irvine, Full-time, Hybrid)

Fisher Phillips, a premier international labor and employment law firm, is seeking an experienced Litigation Paralegal to join our team. In this essential role, you will help ensure the smooth operation of our services, directly supporting our attorneys in delivering exceptional client service and upholding our commitment to excellence.

Paralegals should strive to perform high-quality billable work for the benefit of our clients and the support of our attorneys. We expect our Paralegals to provide a high level of expertise in assisting clients and attorneys while managing a busy case and/or matter load. Paralegals are generally expected to record 1500 or more recorded billable hours during the performance year. The performance year begins October 1 and ends September 30.

The Paralegal performs, under the direction and supervision of an attorney, substantive legal support work which, for the most part, requires a sufficient knowledge of legal concepts such that, absent the Paralegal, the work would be performed by an Attorney. The Paralegal does not render legal advice to a client, ever.

The Paralegal uses expertise and knowledge of the legal system and substantive and procedural law to perform the substantive legal support work under the supervision of an attorney; the paralegal must confer with and follow the direction of an attorney on any legal decision.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrated effectiveness at obtaining and managing client documents, including electronic data, and determining potential existence of documents that may be relevant to each case.
• Regularly conducts litigation, criminal, and civil background checks and obtains properly authenticated records as needed.
• Effectively and regularly drafts for attorney review: removal documents, certificates of interested parties, answers, initial disclosures, various motions and orders, scheduling orders, protective orders, deposition notices, affidavits and declarations, discovery and our responses to discovery, settlement agreements, dismissal documents for attorney review, etc.
• Assists with preparation of motions for summary judgment; checking deposition cites, assembling exhibits, and creating the appendix.
• Consistently and accurately identifies and prepares all documents for production including Bates labeling and redacting for privileged and confidential information.
• Effectively assists in preparation for trial including managing exhibits and all evidentiary matters, witness lists, files and subpoenas, coordinates and attends witness prep meetings; assists at trial.
• Conducts online research and able to utilize the firm’s electronic resources efficiently and effectively.
• Able to juggle multiple assignments and/or deadlines while maintaining a professional demeanor and timely seeks assistance when needed.
• Willing and capable to help others when needed.
• Reviews and ensures accuracy of vendor invoices; timely submits invoices for processing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and perform in a high-pressure environment.
• Proven ability to assimilate to work with a variety of state and federal jurisdictions.
• High motivation, reliability, flexibility, curiosity, and strong teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Ability to adapt quickly to change and work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and other office tools, including document review software, eDiscovery technology, and document management system. Experience with Relativity and/or Everlaw strongly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five years of litigation paralegal experience, preferably working in a labor/employment litigation practice required
• This position requires extensive knowledge of litigation and trial procedures, as well as federal, California state, and appellate court rules and procedures.
• Bachelor's degree or relevant work experience.

Requirements

• The paralegal must possess at least one of the following:
  • A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.
  • A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a post-secondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Post-Secondary and Vocational Education.
  • A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.

The statements in this position description are not necessarily all-inclusive. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with both the FCO and the California Fair Chance Act (FCA).

The hourly rate range for this position is $ 48.08 - $55.00. Actual base pay within this range will be determined by several components, including but not limited to, relevant experience, internal equity, skills, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Why Join Us

At Fisher Phillips, we recognize that exceptional talent is the foundation of our success, enabling us to deliver outstanding service to both our internal and external clients. Joining our team means collaborating in a professional yet dynamic environment that leverages cutting-edge technology. Our leadership is committed to fostering your professional growth and providing opportunities to challenge yourself in meaningful ways.

We believe in rewarding talent with more than just a competitive salary. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with profit sharing, generous paid time off, and holidays.

Your well-being is our priority. We offer 24/7 telehealth services, a variety of wellness programs, and additional optional benefits designed to support your unique lifestyle. At Fisher Phillips, you’ll find a workplace that values your health, happiness, and continued professional development.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fisher Phillips is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including related medical conditions), gender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, or any other protected status, in compliance with all applicable laws.

Relocation costs are not covered. We are only accepting direct applicants; third-party recruiters or agencies will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please.