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Entry Level Paralegal Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

County of Shasta, CA

Paralegal I/II

Anderson, CA · On-site

$48K - $68K/yr

Paralegal I is the entry-level paraprofessional classification in the Paralegal series. Initially under immediate supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine paralegal duties. As experience is ...

County of Shasta

Paralegal I/II

Redding, CA

$48K - $68K/yr

Paralegal I is the entry-level paraprofessional classification in the Paralegal series. Initially under immediate supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine paralegal duties. As experience is ...

County of Shasta

Paralegal I/II-Confidential

Redding, CA · On-site

$51K - $73K/yr

Paralegal I is the entry-level paraprofessional classification in the Paralegal series. Initially under immediate supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine paralegal duties. As experience is ...

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All JobsParalegal JobsEntry Level Paralegal JobsEntry Level Paralegal Jobs in California

Entry Level Paralegal information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$48.7K

$68.6K

How much do entry level paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level paralegal in California is $48,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $53,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level paralegal?

Entry level paralegals are professionals who assist attorneys with legal tasks such as drafting documents, conducting research, organizing files, and preparing for trials, typically at the beginning of their paralegal careers. They usually have completed a paralegal studies program or hold a relevant degree, but may have little to no prior legal work experience. Entry level paralegals gain on-the-job training and are often supervised closely by attorneys or senior paralegals as they learn the practical aspects of legal work.

What does an entry level paralegal do?

An entry-level paralegal performs research and provides legal support to attorneys. As an entry-level paralegal, your job is to assist one or more attorneys at your firm with a variety of legal research and administrative tasks. You prepare and file legal documents, handle communication with clients, and study statutes and precedents in the law. If the attorneys at the law firm you work for specialize in a particular area of the law, then you must familiarize yourself with the specifics of that legal subspecialty, such as personal injury, family law, criminal defense, corporate law, and estate and probate law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level paralegal?

To thrive as an Entry Level Paralegal, you need strong research, writing, and organizational skills, typically supported by a paralegal certificate or an associate degree in paralegal studies. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), document management systems, and Microsoft Office is often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate legal support, efficient workflow, and effective collaboration within a law firm or legal department.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level paralegals, and how can they be effectively managed?

Entry level paralegals often encounter challenges such as managing multiple deadlines, learning to navigate legal technology platforms, and adapting to the fast-paced environment of a law firm or legal department. To manage these issues, strong organizational skills and proactive communication with supervising attorneys are essential. Seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues and taking advantage of training opportunities can also help new paralegals build confidence and improve efficiency. Over time, familiarity with case management systems and legal procedures will make these challenges more manageable.

What is the difference between Entry Level Paralegal vs Legal Assistant?

AspectEntry Level ParalegalLegal Assistant
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or paralegal certificateHigh school diploma or associate's degree, no certification required
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Job ResponsibilitiesLegal research, document preparation, case organizationAdministrative support, scheduling, client communication

While both roles support legal teams, Entry Level Paralegals typically handle more substantive legal work like research and document drafting, requiring specific paralegal credentials. Legal Assistants focus more on administrative tasks and may not need formal legal training. The roles often overlap, but the paralegal position generally involves more legal responsibilities and credentials.

Can you be an entry level paralegal with no legal experience?

Entry level paralegals often do not require prior legal experience, as they typically receive on-the-job training and may have a relevant associate's degree or certification. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with legal software can help candidates qualify for these roles without previous legal work experience.
More about Entry Level Paralegal jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Paralegal jobs in California?

The most popular types of Paralegal jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Paralegal jobs in California?

For Entry Level Paralegal jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Paralegal jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Paralegal jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Paralegal jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Paralegal job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Paralegal jobs in CA?

For Entry Level Paralegal jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Entry Level Paralegal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Paralegal job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $48,697 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Entry Level Legal Assistant/Paralegal - San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Soni Resources
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Soni Resourcesexternal

$25/hr

Contractor

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Immigration Firm is seeking a legal professional to join their team as a Entry Level Legal Assistant/Paralegal. The ideal candidate will be tech savvy and excited about providing administrative and project support!
Responsibilities:
  • Case Manage data entry and continued maintenance of date integrity
  • File and maintain physical files and supporting documentation
  • Create, edit, print and distribute materials
  • Open or close records/cases; maintain any and all records as requested by supervisor
  • General administrative duties as needed (i.e. faxing, copying, typing, etc.)

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree or Paralegal Certificate
  • Proficient using Excel
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with competing demands

Preferred Skills:
  • Legal or Professional Services Internship

Compensation: $25/ Hour
Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications.
#SONINY
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About Soni Resources

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Soni is a premier staffing & recruitment company that is disrupting the human capital management space. Headquartered in New York, Soni has presence in 23 markets across the United States. We support each professional relationship with a cutting-edge approach, industry-leading insights, and a human touch. We are trusted to help companies and individuals tackle their challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. We are minority-owned, and diversity & inclusion is in our DNA. We are committed to creating environments where people are empowered to be their authentic selves.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

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