Job Details

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