Legal Assistant / Paralegal – Real Estate, Land Use & Litigation
A well-established mid-sized law firm in Menlo Park, California is seeking a Legal Assistant / Paralegal to support attorneys in the areas of Real Estate, Land Use, and Litigation. The firm has served clients for more than six decades and is known for maintaining a high standard of legal work within a collaborative, mentorship-focused environment.
This position plays a key role in supporting attorneys through transactional, litigation, and administrative responsibilities. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a professional legal setting.
Key Responsibilities
Real Estate & Land Use Support
- Assist with residential and commercial purchase/sale transactions, leasing agreements, and easement documentation
- Coordinate document signings, notarizations, and recordings
- Support Public Records Act requests
- Conduct zoning, mapping, and permitting research through city and county ACCELA systems
- Assist with property research and title information using tools such as TitlePro
Litigation Support
- Prepare, format, and electronically file pleadings and discovery documents in state and federal courts
- Coordinate service of process
- Track discovery deadlines and maintain litigation calendars
- Organize document productions and prepare electronic and physical hearing or trial binders
- Schedule court reporters, videographers, and other litigation vendors
- Assist with exhibit preparation and witness coordination
Administrative & Case Management
- Manage attorney calendars, meetings, hearings, closings, and public meetings
- Draft, format, and proofread legal correspondence, memoranda, and pleadings
- Open new matters and maintain electronic and physical client files
- Prepare engagement agreements and conduct conflict checks
- Track deadlines, court dates, and internal milestones
- Enter attorney time as needed and assist with LEDES billing and invoice preparation
- Communicate professionally with clients, opposing counsel, government agencies, consultants, and vendors
Qualifications
Experience
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a law firm environment
- Experience supporting real estate transactions and/or litigation matters preferred
- Ability to support multiple attorneys or practice areas is a plus
Knowledge
- Familiarity with state and federal court procedures and e-filing systems
- Understanding of land use processes, CEQA workflows, and real estate transactions
Technical Skills
- Microsoft 365 (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Experience with legal technology such as ProLaw, Essential Forms, CAR Forms, DocuSign, or similar systems
- Knowledge of e-filing portals and legal billing platforms (e.g., LEDES/Sage Timeslips)
- WordPerfect experience is helpful but not required
Core Skills
- Strong grammar, proofreading, and document formatting
- Excellent organization and deadline management
- Ability to manage multiple priorities across several attorneys
- Professional client service and strict confidentiality
