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Graduate Paralegal Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KGL Law Office

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Criminal Paralegal

Fresno, CA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Criminal Paralegal Location: Fresno, CA 93721 Job Type: Full-Time About Us We are a busy Fresno law ... Led by Harvard Law graduate Kevin G. Little, the firm has built a strong reputation for protecting ...

Attorney | ICE

Paralegal Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$43K/yr

Master's or equivalent graduate degree; OR * Two (2) full years of progressively higher-level ... Paralegal Specialists; OR * Preparing responses to discovery requests, dispositive motions ...

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All JobsGraduate Paralegal JobsGraduate Paralegal Jobs in California

Graduate Paralegal information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$70.4K

$107.1K

How much do graduate paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate paralegal in California is $70,442.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $88,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate paralegal?

Graduate Paralegals are individuals who have recently completed their undergraduate degree, often with a focus on law or a related field, and are starting their careers by providing legal support within law firms, corporations, or government agencies. They assist lawyers by conducting research, drafting documents, organizing files, and handling administrative tasks. This entry-level role offers valuable practical experience and exposure to legal procedures, which can be beneficial for those considering law school or a long-term legal career. Graduate Paralegals play a crucial role in helping legal teams operate efficiently and effectively.

How to get a graduate paralegal role with no experience?

To secure a graduate paralegal role with no experience, focus on building relevant skills such as legal research and document management through internships, volunteering, or coursework. Highlight strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and familiarity with legal software in your resume and cover letter to demonstrate your potential to employers.

What does a graduate paralegal do?

As a Graduate Paralegal, you can expect to support attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting and proofreading documents, organizing case files, and managing deadlines. You may also assist with client communication, prepare court forms, and help coordinate filings or discovery processes. The role often involves working closely with both legal and administrative teams, providing hands-on exposure to various areas of law and courtroom procedures. This variety helps build foundational skills and can lead to further advancement within the field.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Paralegal, you need a solid understanding of legal principles, research skills, and typically a law degree or paralegal qualification. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as document management systems, is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organization, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate legal support, efficient case management, and valuable contributions to the legal team.

What is the difference between Graduate Paralegal vs Paralegal?

AspectGraduate Paralegal
Required CredentialsTypically a recent law or paralegal studies graduate, sometimes with a certificate
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised legal support roles in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageOften used for individuals starting their legal careers, seeking experience before becoming a full paralegal
Common Search & ComparisonCompared to Paralegal for understanding entry-level roles and career progression

The main difference is that a Graduate Paralegal is an entry-level position for recent graduates, focusing on gaining practical experience, while a Paralegal typically requires more experience and handles more complex legal tasks. Both roles are common in legal settings, but the Graduate Paralegal is often a stepping stone toward becoming a fully qualified Paralegal.

What can I do with a degree in graduate paralegal studies?

A graduate paralegal with this degree can work in law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies, assisting attorneys with legal research, document preparation, and case management. The role often requires familiarity with legal software and strong organizational skills, and some positions may require certification or experience in specific legal areas.
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Paralegal jobs in California? For Graduate Paralegal jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Paralegal jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Paralegal jobs in California are:
Graduate Paralegal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Paralegal job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 64% In-person, 12% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,442 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Criminal Paralegal

KGL Law Office

Fresno, CA • On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

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Job description

Job Title: Criminal Paralegal

Location: Fresno, CA 93721

Job Type: Full-Time

About Us

We are a busy Fresno law firm handling a diverse range of criminal defense matters—from misdemeanors to complex serious felonies, including homicide and potential life cases. We are committed to providing aggressive, client-centered representation and believe that cases—and the liberty of our clients—can be won or lost in the discovery process. We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Criminal Paralegal to join our team and take ownership of assigned cases.

Job Summary

As our Criminal Paralegal, you will be the backbone of our criminal defense practice. You will be primarily responsible for ensuring timely discovery and will manage cases from arraignment through trial. We need someone who can act independently, take initiative, and keep cases moving forward—even without constant supervision. You will have significant client contact, including meeting with incarcerated clients and will play a major role in trial preparation and proceedings.

Key Responsibilities

· Discovery & Case Management: Ensure timely sending and providing of discovery; proactively manage discovery requests and responses to avoid motions in limine.

· Thorough Case Knowledge: Maintain regular review of case files, emails, and profiles to know your assigned cases inside and out.

· Legal Drafting: Draft discovery requests/responses, stipulations, motions, correspondence, and emails with minimal attorney oversight using available samples, AI resources, and word processing tools.

· Client Communication: Provide regular updates to clients (in and out of custody), schedule attorney-client visits, and conduct non-confidential jail visits using your jail pass.

· Court & Trial Support: Participate in preliminary hearings, court hearings, and trials—preparing subpoenas, briefs, exhibits, witness lists, jury instructions, and acting as in-court trial assistant.

· Deadline Management: Review calendars at least one month ahead to identify upcoming deadlines (e.g., funding motions, expert appointments).

· E-Filing & Technology: Master e-filing portals (state, federal, county) and legal software including Word, Practice Panther, Office 365, full-featured Adobe, Lexis Advance, and TrialSmith/Fastcase.

· Coordination: Coordinate with the Administrative Paralegal to request Zoom/remote hearing information.

Qualifications

· Experience: Prior paralegal experience in criminal defense or litigation preferred; a proactive mindset and willingness to learn are essential.

· Technical Skills: Proficiency with case management software (Practice Panther/Office 365), e-filing systems, and legal research tools.

· Writing Skills: Excellent writing and proofreading abilities to produce final-draft quality work.

· Communication: Strong verbal communication skills with the confidence and empathy to handle client and witness interactions.

· Organization: Superior organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple cases under tight deadlines.

· Independence: Ability to act independently, take initiative, and effectuate case plans without constant reminders.

What We Offer

· Opportunity to work on complex and high-stakes criminal cases

· Hands-on experience in all phases of criminal litigation and trial

· Collaborative team environment with room for professional growth

· Competitive compensation based on experience

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in criminal defense work.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our firm.

Company Description

The Law Office of Kevin G. Little stands as a pillar of justice in Fresno, California, providing dedicated and experienced legal representation across a wide range of practice areas. Led by Harvard Law graduate Kevin G. Little, the firm has built a strong reputation for protecting the rights of individuals, employees, and underserved communities. Whether you're facing a complex civil rights issue, a criminal charge, or an employment dispute, our office is committed to delivering personalized, strategic, and results-driven advocacy.

With over 30 years of trial and appellate experience in both state and federal courts, Attorney Kevin G. Little brings a deep understanding of the law and an unwavering commitment to justice. His approach combines thorough legal analysis with compassionate client service, ensuring every case receives the attention and diligence it deserves.