Trial Litigation Paralegal

Salary Range: $100,000-$150,000 (DOE)

Status: Direct Hire

Location: Costa Mesa, CA

We are currently seeking an exceptional Trial Litigation Paralegal for a direct-hire opportunity in our Costa Mesa office. This role supports complex and commercial business litigation, primarily representing business clients, and requires extensive hands-on trial experience.

Overview of Practice

The position focuses on complex and commercial business litigation, with significant involvement in trial preparation and courtroom support.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft discovery-related documents, including substantive responses and subpoenas.
• Collaborate with legal assistants to maintain well-organized and accurate case files.
• Manage all aspects of e-discovery, including document collection, review, and production; maintain detailed production and privilege logs.
• Prepare deposition tracking sheets and indices of deposition exhibits.
• Conduct Westlaw background checks, verdict research, and expert searches.
• Coordinate with firm administrative departments to support trial logistics.
• Prepare exhibit lists and witness lists.
• Assemble witness binders and indices of deposition exhibits with corresponding trial exhibit numbers.
• Display exhibits during trials and arbitrations using OnCue.
• Ensure compliance with all pre-trial court submissions, including local rules, department rules, and motions in limine.
• Prepare and file Final Status Conference submissions with the court.

Trial Responsibilities

• Attend trial with flexibility for extended hours, including late nights and early mornings.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of courtroom procedures, including preparation and management of trial binders for witnesses and the court.
• Lodge trial transcripts.
• Track and document exhibits admitted at trial and monitor trial time utilized by each party.
• Coordinate with vendors and service providers, including hotel staff, drivers, catering, and printing vendors.

Desired Qualifications

• Minimum of eight to ten years of paralegal experience, with a strong emphasis on trial support.
• Extensive experience with e-discovery; Disco experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of legal terminology, court rules, and trial procedures.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, analytical skills, and problem-solving ability when handling complex matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, attorneys, and clients.
• Ability to exercise extreme discretion and confidentiality in all client-related matters.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.