1

Graduate Paralegal Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary: We are looking for a Paralegal to lead the activities of corporate governance and ... graduate degree. * Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Legal Studies, or a related field

We are looking for a Paralegal to lead the activities of corporate governance and legal operations ... graduate degree. * Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Legal Studies, or a related field

We are looking for a Paralegal to lead the activities of corporate governance and legal operations ... graduate degree. * Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Legal Studies, or a related field

Product Engineer - AI

Palo Alto, CA ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Aizada is a graduate of Harvard Law School, an attorney with 7+ years of experience including ... If an agent workflow saves a paralegal two hours a day, that's a feature worth shipping yesterday.

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Paralegal information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$70.4K

$107.1K

How much do graduate paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Graduate Paralegal job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,442 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

$74K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of the Under Secretary (UNSEC), Office of General Counsel (OGC), Natural Resources Section, with 1 vacancy in Long Beach, CA; St. Petersburg, FL; Gloucester, MA; Silver Spring, MD; or Seattle, WA.
This position is also announced under vacancy number OGC-26-13046157-DE, which is open to all US Citizens or Nationals. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
EDUCATION: There is no positive education requirement for this position.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To qualify at the GS-11 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Gathering and organizing case records and files; and
  • Providing assistance with processing, proofreading, cite-checking, or editing draft legal documents.

OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the total experience requirements. Note: Only graduate-level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience.
To qualify at the GS-12 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Conducting legal research at the direction of an attorney; and
  • Supporting litigation activities, such as assisting attorneys conducting depositions, hearing, trials, or other legal proceedings.
Education:

College Transcript:If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), name of accredited institution, course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.

Employment Type: OTHER