Pre-Litigation Paralegal

Location: Downtown San Diego, CA (On-Site)
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Type: Full-Time (Direct Hire Preferred)
Salary: $60,000 - $80,000 annually (DOE)

Position Summary

Our growing personal injury law firm in downtown San Diego is seeking an experienced Pre-Litigation Paralegal to manage a high volume of cases from intake handoff through preparation for potential litigation. This role works closely with the Managing Partner and plays a critical part in delivering exceptional client care during a sensitive and often challenging time.

The ideal candidate brings strong personal injury experience, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining empathy and professionalism with clients.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Litigation Case Management

• Manage a high volume of personal injury cases from intake through pre-litigation stages.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date electronic case files using case management systems (SmartAdvocate preferred).
• Proactively monitor case progress, identify outstanding items, and ensure timely case advancement.
• Prepare files for litigation by ensuring all documentation, records, and summaries are complete.

Client Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients during the pre-litigation phase.
• Provide regular status updates, explain next steps, and respond to client inquiries with professionalism and empathy.
• Obtain signatures, authorizations, and required documentation from clients.

Medical Records & Billing

• Identify treating providers and initiate requests for medical records and billing statements.
• Track, follow up, and manage all medical record requests, including working with record retrieval services.
• Review and organize incoming records and bills for completeness and accuracy.
• Maintain detailed medical records logs and summaries.

Lien Identification & Coordination

• Identify potential lienholders and place necessary entities on notice.
• Communicate with lienholders regarding balances and documentation.
• Track lien information to support case resolution.

Insurance & Carrier Communication

• Communicate with insurance adjusters and defense carriers regarding claims and case status.
• Assist with preparing and submitting demand packages and supporting documentation.
• Track responses, deadlines, and follow-up items with carriers.

Administrative & Support Functions

• Draft routine correspondence and legal documents as directed.
• Manage deadlines and follow-ups with minimal supervision.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to legal and ethical standards.
• Support one assigned attorney while collaborating with the broader team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of personal injury experience required (pre-litigation focus).
• Prior experience as a paralegal or legal assistant in personal injury law.
• Proven experience handling:
  • Medical records and billing requests
  • Drafting demand packages
  • Communicating with insurance carriers
• Familiarity with SmartAdvocate or similar case management systems strongly preferred.
• Experience working with intake teams and transitioning cases to litigation is a plus.
• Experience with national record retrieval services is preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strong organizational and time-management skills (must handle high caseloads efficiently)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset
• Ability to work independently while supporting attorneys and collaborating with staff
• Compassionate and client-focused approach
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced legal environment