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Graduate Paralegal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Paralegal

Silver Spring, MD ยท On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Well-established plaintiffs' side employment law firm in Silver Spring is seeking a college graduate for our paralegal position. Our firm litigates wage and hour and employment discrimination claims.

Criminal Paralegal

Fresno, CA ยท 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 ...

Paralegal

Silver Spring, MD ยท On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Well-established plaintiffs' side employment law firm in Silver Spring is seeking a college graduate for our paralegal position. Our firm litigates wage and hour and employment discrimination claims.

One (1) full year of graduate level education ( Transcripts required) OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION ... Providing guidance and advice to junior paralegals and/or distributing assignments to junior ...

Paralegal

Silver Spring, MD ยท On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Paid time off Well-established plaintiffs' side employment law firm in Silver Spring is seeking a college graduate for our paralegal position. Our firm litigates wage and hour and employment ...

Family Law Paralegal

Scottsdale, AZ ยท On-site

$22 - $26/hr

High School Diploma or GED required, college graduate with bachelor's degree preferred; 2+ years of Paralegal experience (Family Law knowledge preferred). Must have excellent verbal and written ...

Paralegal

Columbia, SC ยท On-site

Graduate from an accredited paralegal program, college or university, or the equivalent education and experience, and work-related experience in the areas of property, law, or community services.

High School Diploma or GED required, college graduate with bachelor's degree preferred; 2+ years of Paralegal experience (Family Law knowledge preferred). Must have excellent verbal and written ...

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Paralegal information

See salary details

$33.5K

$71.4K

$108.5K

How much do graduate paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate paralegal in the United States is $71,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $89,500.00 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.
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What cities are hiring for Graduate Paralegal jobs?

Cities with the most Graduate Paralegal job openings:

What states have the most Graduate Paralegal jobs?

States with the most job openings for Graduate Paralegal jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Paralegal jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Paralegal jobs are:

Infographic showing various Graduate Paralegal job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,376 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Paralegal Specialist

Offices, Boards and Divisions

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site, Remote

$70K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Summary
This announcement is open to current or former federal employees and specific hiring authorities. This position serves as a Paralegal Specialist, located in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Research and Publication Section (R&P), Paralegal Unit in Washington, D.C. The major function of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is to supervise and conduct government litigation in the Supreme Court of the United States (Court).
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The duties and responsibilities for a GS-Paralegal Specialist-0950-9/11 generally include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Work closely with Attorneys to identify the type of assistance needed on cases.
  • Provide legal support to attorneys in the preparation of cases for litigation in the Supreme Court.
  • Summarize the relevance of an array of legal information.
  • Evaluate, analyze, and cite check Supreme Court briefs in the court.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
  • You may be required to complete a probationary or trial period. See "Additional Information" section for specific details.
  • Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
  • You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
  • Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of Paralegal Specialist, at GS-0950-9/11you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below.
For the GS-09: Specialized Experience: For the GS-9, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which demonstrates providing support to attorney's in reviewing, analyzing or evaluating case issues or citations for accuracy in briefs filed in the Supreme Court.
GS-9 substitution of education for experience:
Education: Master's Degree or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D. in a field that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position. (You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR
Combination of Education and Experience:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
For the GS-11: Specialized Experience: For the GS-11, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 grade level in the Federal service which demonstrates reviewing, analyzing, and advising on legal case issues for the accuracy of legal citations or other references.
GS-11 substitution of education for experience:
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. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts).
OR
Combination of Education and Experience:
A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide the total number of completed graduate semester hours (or equivalent) beyond the second year (total graduate semester hours minus 36) by 18. Add the two percentages. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
You MUST meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade, by the 08/17/2026 of this announcement.
Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.
Education
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below.
Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
Additional information
Additional selections may be made from this announcement.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP): This program applies to DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:
  1. Meet CTAP eligibility criteria;
  2. Be rated well-qualified for the position with a score of 80 or above based on the competencies listed above; and
  3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP eligibility.

Probationary or Trial Period (as applicable): As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
1) your performance and conduct;
2) the needs and interests of the agency;
3) whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
4) whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy
Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.
Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to Rhonda.D.Douglas@usdoj.gov.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Continue Additional Information:
Note:
In accordance with 5 U.S. Code ยง 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R ยง 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.
This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.