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Graduate Legal Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Brandeis University

Temp Teaching Assistant

Brandeis, CA · On-site

$2.0K/wk

... Teacher Leader Graduate Program. The Tech Assistant will meet with the instructor before each ... legal requirements. Equal Opportunity Statement Brandeis University is an equal opportunity ...

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Graduate Legal Assistant information

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How much do graduate legal assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate 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 is a graduate legal assistant?

Graduate Legal Assistants are entry-level legal professionals, often recent law school graduates, who support attorneys and legal departments with research, drafting documents, case preparation, and administrative duties. They work under the supervision of licensed attorneys and help with tasks such as preparing legal briefs, conducting legal research, and organizing case files. This role provides valuable hands-on experience for those considering a legal career or preparing to take the bar exam. Graduate Legal Assistants may work in law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate legal assistant?

To thrive as a Graduate Legal Assistant, you need a law degree or equivalent qualification, strong research abilities, and a solid understanding of legal terminology and procedures. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), case management software, and document drafting tools is typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills help you manage complex information and support legal teams effectively. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accuracy, maintaining compliance, and providing reliable assistance in a fast-paced legal environment.

What types of projects or cases can a graduate legal assistant expect to work on during their first year?

As a Graduate Legal Assistant, you’ll typically support attorneys with tasks like legal research, drafting documents, and organizing case files. In your first year, you might assist with case preparation for hearings or trials, help manage discovery processes, and interact with clients or witnesses under supervision. The work often involves collaborating closely with paralegals and junior lawyers, giving you a broad perspective on different areas of law. The variety of cases you'll support—ranging from civil litigation to corporate matters—provides valuable exposure and lays a strong foundation for career advancement.

How do I become a graduate legal assistant with no experience?

To become a graduate legal assistant with no experience, focus on obtaining a relevant bachelor's degree such as in paralegal studies or pre-law, and develop skills in legal research, writing, and organization. Internships or volunteer work at law firms or legal clinics can provide practical experience and improve employability for entry-level positions.

Is it worth being a graduate legal assistant?

A graduate legal assistant role provides valuable experience in legal research, document preparation, and case management, which can enhance future career prospects in law. It often offers exposure to legal procedures and may require familiarity with legal software, making it a useful stepping stone for aspiring lawyers or legal professionals.

What degree do I need to be a graduate legal assistant?

A graduate legal assistant typically needs at least a bachelor's degree, often in fields such as paralegal studies, legal studies, or pre-law. Some positions may require or prefer candidates with a master's degree or paralegal certification, along with strong research and organizational skills.

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

The most popular types of Graduate Legal jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Legal Assistant jobs in California?

For Graduate Legal Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Legal Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Legal Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Legal Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Graduate Legal Assistant job openings:

Graduate Legal Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Legal Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,584 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Post Bar Fellow - Immigration Rights

Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach

Oakland, CA

$70K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach

API Legal Outreach is the largest social justice legal organization focused on the Asian/Pacific Islander, Latinx, and immigrant communities of the Greater Bay Area and the Central Valley. A growing community-based organization founded in 1975, our mission is to provide culturally competent and linguistically appropriate direct services to the most marginalized segments of our community including low-income women, seniors, immigrants, and youth. With offices in Oakland and San Francisco, our work is focused in the areas of Gender-based Violence, Immigration and Immigrant Rights, Disability Rights, Senior Law and Elder Abuse, Anti-Human Trafficking, Youth Violence Prevention, Anti API Hate Violence, the preservation of affordable housing and small businesses, and other social justice issues.

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the Supervising Attorney for Immigrant Rights, the Post Bar Fellow in Immigrant Rights will assist with various legal services to low-income clients, particularly but not exclusively in the area of immigration. They will actively participate in community outreach, represent the organization at various forums, and assist in the broader administrative tasks of the organization. This role will be instrumental in our mission to serve underserved Asian, Pacific Islander, and BIPOC communities in the Greater Bay Area and is based in our East Bay office. Once the fellow passes the California Bar, there is a potential to transition to a Staff Attorney position.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide case management and assist with legal services under the supervision of a licensed attorney to eligible clients, particularly but not exclusively in the area of immigrant rights. Casework will include removal defense, asylum, naturalization services, and various petitions such as U, T, SIJS and VAWA.
Staff clinics and workshops at locations accessible to clients.
Engage in community education and outreach activities.
Provide intake services with potential clients.
Represent API Legal Outreach at meetings with community partners, funders and collaboratives.
Assist with administrative and fundraising work of the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated commitment to social justice and experience working on behalf of underserved immigrant communities.
Law school graduate and awaiting Bar results (planning to take or have taken the California Bar).
Ability to work independently; detail-oriented; aptitude to function well in a multicultural team environment.
Strong legal research, writing, and clientcentered advocacy skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Fluency in API language or Spanish
Bicultural skills relevant to low-income communities.

To Apply:

Please click on the links below to apply and send your cover letter and resume with three professional references. In the subject line, please write Post Bar Fellow- Immigrant Rights. In your cover letter, please address the following questions: Why did you apply to APILO? How does the mission inspire you? How does your background and experience support APILO's work?

Equal Employment Opportunity:

API Legal Outreach is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply