ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Legal Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Milbank LLP

Legal Assistant (paralegal)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Potentially assist with training and mentoring of entry-level legal assistants. * Provide guidance on best practices and firm policies for litigation associates. * Assist with filing preparation and ...

Milbank LLP

Legal Assistant (paralegal)

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

Potentially assist with training and mentoring of entry-level legal assistants. * Provide guidance on best practices and firm policies for litigation associates. * Assist with filing preparation and ...

Milbank LLP

Legal Assistant (paralegal)

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

Potentially assist with training and mentoring of entry-level legal assistants. * Provide guidance on best practices and firm policies for litigation associates. * Assist with filing preparation and ...

Quill and Arrow LLP

Legal Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Legal Assistant to join our dynamic legal team ... This is an excellent entry-level position with potential for career advancement! Job Type ...

Quill and Arrow LLP

Legal Assistant

Los Angeles, CA

$22 - $30/hr

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Legal Assistant to join our dynamic legal team ... This is an excellent entry-level position with potential for career advancement! Job Type ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLegal JobsEntry Level Legal Assistant JobsEntry Level Legal Assistant Jobs in California

Entry Level Legal Assistant information

See California salary details

$26.6K

$47.6K

$73K

How much do entry level legal assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level legal assistant in California is $47,584.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $54,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Entry Level Legal Assistant do?

An Entry Level Legal Assistant supports lawyers and paralegals by performing administrative and clerical tasks in a law office. Their duties typically include organizing files, drafting legal documents, conducting research, scheduling appointments, and communicating with clients. They help ensure that legal processes run smoothly and efficiently, often serving as a first point of contact for clients and managing case-related paperwork. This role is ideal for individuals interested in gaining experience in the legal field and learning about law office operations.

How difficult is it to be a legal assistant?

Becoming an entry-level legal assistant typically requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of legal procedures. The role often involves managing documents, conducting research, and supporting attorneys, with some positions requiring a relevant certificate or associate degree. The difficulty varies based on the complexity of cases and the work environment but generally involves learning legal terminology and office software.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level legal assistants, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level legal assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of administrative tasks, learning complex legal terminology, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law office. Staying organized, actively seeking feedback from senior staff, and utilizing legal management software can help new assistants manage their workload effectively. Building strong communication skills and being proactive about asking questions are also key strategies for overcoming initial hurdles and growing confidently in the role.

Is a legal assistant below a paralegal?

A legal assistant and a paralegal are distinct roles; a legal assistant typically provides administrative support, while a paralegal performs more substantive legal work such as research and document preparation. Paralegals usually have more specialized training or certification and often handle more complex tasks under attorney supervision.

How much does an entry level legal assistant make?

Entry-level legal assistants in New York City typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on the firm size and their experience. Starting salaries may be higher in larger firms or for those with relevant internships or certifications, and the role often requires familiarity with legal software and strong organizational skills.

What Does an Entry-Level Legal Assistant Do?

As an entry-level legal assistant, your responsibilities are to assist paralegals and lawyers with research, help draft and file legal documents, and provide administrative support as needed. Specific tasks may include preparing affidavits, creating the first drafts of court filings or other documents for the principal lawyer on the case, and recording interviews or depositions. Your duties also include many secretarial tasks, such as word processing, updating and keeping files straight, taking messages for lawyers or other office workers, and preparing invoices and other billing documents for the firm.

How to get a paralegal role with no experience?

Entry-level legal assistant roles often do not require prior experience, so candidates can focus on developing relevant skills such as legal research, document management, and familiarity with legal software. Gaining certifications like the Certified Paralegal (CP) or completing paralegal courses can improve prospects, along with internships or volunteer work to build practical experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Legal Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Legal Assistant, you need organizational skills, attention to detail, basic legal knowledge, and at least a high school diploma or associate’s degree. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, Microsoft Office, and document management systems is typically required. Strong communication, discretion, and the ability to multitask under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient support for legal teams, accuracy in documentation, and effective client service.
More about Entry Level Legal Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Legal Assistant jobs in California? For Entry Level Legal Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Legal Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Legal Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Legal Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Legal Assistant job openings:
Entry Level Legal Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Legal Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,584 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Legal Assistant (Entry Level)

JBA International

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 hours ago

Job description

A fast-growing law firm in Los Angeles is seeking an entry level legal assistant to join their team. The firm specializes in the defense and counseling of businesses, insurers, professionals, and public entities. Our extensive experience in civil litigation, trials, and alternative dispute resolution, as well as our state-of-the-art research technology, enable us to provide practical and economical solutions tailored to the needs of each individual client reflective of decades of litigation experience. The ideal candidate will be able to assist other legal assistants in their duties (willing to train).
Qualifications:
  • Good phone skills are required
  • Prior experience finalizing and filing pleadings with the court
  • Finalizing and serving other legal documents

Includes full benefits and a great work/life balance.

Apply