Junior Legal Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

About Us: McCune Law Group is a premier plaintiff law firm with a rich history of representing both consumers and businesses in major and complex litigation. We specialize in various areas of law, including class actions, mass tort, personal injury, appeals, mediations, arbitrations, and a wide range of other case types. With a deep commitment to our clients and a relentless pursuit of justice and resolution, we have earned a reputation for excellence in the legal community.

Our firm operates not only in California but also serves clients across the United States. With a strong foundation built on integrity, expertise, and a passion for advocacy, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients by providing effective legal representation and achieving favorable outcomes.

Position Summary: The Litigation Paralegal will report to the Practice Group Leader and work under the direct supervision of other attorneys to provide advanced support in personal injury case planning, development, management, and legal research. This role involves drafting and reviewing complex legal documents, maintaining highly organized case client files, and overseeing various tasks related to personal injury litigation procedures.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Assist in preparing detailed legal documents and correspondence specific to personal injury cases, ensuring accuracy in grammar, spelling, and citation checks.
• File documents in multiple state and federal jurisdictions, with a focus on personal injury claims.
• Prepare drafts for propounding and responding to discovery in personal injury cases.
• In the absence of a legal secretary or legal assistant, review and process daily mail, handle incoming calls and inquiries, and guide junior legal staff when necessary.
• Communicate effectively with clients, attorneys, and other professionals to discuss detailed case specifics related to personal injury matters.
• Conduct legal research, particularly focusing on personal injury law, staying current with Federal and State court rules and filing procedures.
• Take a lead role in trial preparation activities, including calendaring trial deadlines, organizing exhibits, arranging witness and expert testimony, and preparing pleadings for court filing, with a focus on personal injury litigation.
• Investigate facts and laws of cases, utilizing research techniques and managing public records and other resources as requested by the attorneys, with a strong emphasis on personal injury matters.
• Coordinate assignments such as service of Complaints and Subpoenas, arrange depositions, etc., with third-party vendors.
• Maintain the attorney’s calendar(s) and all docketing of tasks/reminders for assigned cases.
• Ensure all deadlines are accurately calendared and meticulously tracked.
• Uphold a clean and organized office space, ensuring a professional, collaborative, and efficient work environment.
• Mentor and guide junior legal staff in their responsibilities.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the attorney(s) and/or the Director of Legal Staff.

Knowledge and Skills:

• In-depth understanding of personal injury law principles, concepts, and legal research methodology.
• Comprehensive knowledge of attorney-client relationships applicable to the performance of major duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of legal writing principles, particularly as they apply to personal injury cases.
• Exceptional problem identification, analysis, and evaluation skills.
• Advanced principles of effective writing and verbal presentation.
• Proficiency in business math for complex calculations.
• Expertise in computerized information and database record-keeping systems.
• Advanced knowledge of computer information systems, including personal computer applications, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Proficient in Westlaw or other computerized legal research system(s), with a focus on personal injury law.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Experience as a litigation paralegal in a personal injury law firm.
• A paralegal shall possess at least one of the following:
• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association, OR
• A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, OR
• A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks, OR
• A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.
• Paralegals are required to comply with BPC [6450-6456] requiring that every two (2) years Paralegals complete at least 4 hours of continuing legal education in legal ethics and 4 hours in either general law or in an area of specialized law.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and advanced computer skills.
• Exposure to programs such as TimeSheets, Fonality, Hona, and Litify.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and individuals.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands and work conditions below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Some requirements may be modified to accommodate individuals with disabilities:
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Occasional overtime may be required.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about to access office supplies.
• Constantly operates a computer.
• Rarely ascends/descends, stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls.

Equal Opportunity Employer: McCune Law Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.