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Legal Practice Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ogletree Deakins

Legal Practice Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

Using word processing and document management software, the Practice Assistant prepares and processes correspondence and memoranda as well as complex legal documents according to the requirements set ...

Ogletree Deakins

Legal Practice Assistant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$113K/yr

On a day-to-day basis, works under the direction of attorneys and paralegals to whom the Practice Assistant is assigned. Under general supervision, supports the delivery of quality legal services to ...

Troutman Pepper

Legal Practice Assistant

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Litigation Legal Practice Assistant (LPA) provides administrative support for all aspects of litigation, including discovery, court filings, trial preparation, and maintenance of time and billing ...

LHH US

Legal Assistant (Transactional)

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$85K - $110K/yr

Legal Practice Assistant - Transactional & Business Law Location: Southern California (DTLA, Irvine, Riverside or San Diego) Schedule: Hybrid Compensation: $85,000-$110,000 annually (non-exempt) LHH ...

LHH US

Legal Assistant (Transactional)

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$85K - $110K/yr

Legal Practice Assistant - Transactional & Business Law Location: Southern California (DTLA, Irvine, Riverside or San Diego) Schedule: Hybrid Compensation: $85,000-$110,000 annually (non-exempt) LHH ...

Fresh Fields

Practice Assistant

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Practice Assistant The Practice Assistant is a member of the Support Services Team and provides ... Familiarity with workflow tools, document management systems, or legal practice management ...

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All JobsLegal Practice JobsLegal Practice Assistant JobsLegal Practice Assistant Jobs in California

Legal Practice Assistant information

See California salary details

$26.6K

$47.6K

$73K

How much do legal practice assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for legal practice 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 legal practice assistant?

A Legal Practice Assistant is a professional who provides administrative and clerical support to lawyers and legal teams in a law firm or legal department. Their responsibilities often include managing schedules, preparing legal documents, handling client correspondence, organizing files, and assisting with billing processes. Legal Practice Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of legal practices by helping attorneys stay organized and focused on their legal work.

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

To thrive as a Legal Practice Assistant, you need a solid understanding of legal procedures, document preparation, and administrative support, often backed by a paralegal certificate or relevant experience. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and office productivity tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, organization, and effective communication skills help you manage deadlines and coordinate with attorneys and clients. These skills ensure efficient legal operations, reduce errors, and support the smooth functioning of the legal team.

What is the difference between Legal Practice Assistant vs Legal Secretary?

AspectLegal Practice AssistantLegal Secretary
CredentialsOften requires paralegal certification or relevant legal trainingTypically requires high school diploma; some may have legal secretary certification
Work EnvironmentSupports attorneys with case management, document preparation, and researchFocuses on administrative tasks like scheduling, correspondence, and filing
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agenciesWidely used in law firms and legal offices for administrative support
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles supporting legal work with specialized skillsCompared for administrative support roles in legal settings

The Legal Practice Assistant and Legal Secretary roles share similarities in supporting legal professionals but differ mainly in responsibilities and required credentials. Legal Practice Assistants typically handle more substantive legal tasks, while Legal Secretaries focus on administrative duties. Both roles are essential in law firms and legal departments, with overlapping skills but distinct functions.

What are some common challenges legal practice assistants face when supporting multiple attorneys, and how can they effectively manage competing priorities?

Legal Practice Assistants often support several attorneys simultaneously, each with their own deadlines and work styles. Managing competing priorities can be challenging, especially during peak periods like court filings or trial preparations. Effective time management, proactive communication, and strong organizational skills are essential to ensure all tasks are completed accurately and on time. Utilizing digital tools for task tracking and regularly checking in with attorneys to clarify priorities can help Legal Practice Assistants stay ahead and reduce stress.
What are the most commonly searched types of Legal Practice jobs in California? The most popular types of Legal Practice jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Legal Practice Assistant jobs in California? For Legal Practice Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Legal Practice Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Legal Practice Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Legal Practice Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Legal Practice Assistant job openings:
Legal Practice Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legal Practice Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,584 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Legal Practice Assistant

Ogletree Deakins

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
Our San Francisco office is looking for a Practice Assistant to join our growing firm. On a day-to-day basis, works under the direction of attorneys and paralegals to whom the secretary is assigned. Under limited supervision, supports the delivery of quality legal services to clients by providing secretarial and administrative assistance to attorneys, performing complex and specialized secretarial and clerical tasks, and working collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment. This position supports multiple attorneys as primary assignments and also provides back-up secretarial assistance to other attorneys as assigned. May also provide back-up to receptionist as necessary, depending on size of office and availability due to other administrative functions.
Essential Functions
  1. Preparing Documents: Using word processing and document management software, the Practice Assistant prepares and processes correspondence and memoranda as well as complex legal documents according to the requirements set by each practice group. Independently composes and drafts routine cover letters and documents. Proofreads documents and checks for appropriate formatting, spelling and grammar. Prepares revisions and redlines documents as directed. Prepares documents for e-filing as required.
    The Practice Assistant will be responsible for an increased scope of document preparation, both in level of complexity and in quantity of work.
  2. Processes Mail: Reviews and routes incoming mail and fax communications. Prepares and processes outgoing mail and faxes, arranging for specialized mail or messenger services as required. Ensures that all attachments, exhibits and enclosures are included.
  3. Maintains Calendar: Maintains and updates the calendars for assigned attorneys, including meetings, appointments, due dates, and client-related activities.
  4. Maintains Files: Maintains paper and electronic files in compliance with internal policies. Performs routine filing and retrieves files as needed. Maintains chronological files and administrative files for assigned attorneys.
  5. Timekeeping: Prepares time entries for assigned attorneys and submits in a timely manner. Prepares expense reimbursement and disbursement requests. Prepares billing letters and coordinates client billing matters with the Billing Department in Greenville.
  6. General Administrative Support: Prepares and processes new matter documents. Receives and screens phone calls and takes message as required. Receives and directs clients and visitors. Coordinates travel arrangements, prepares itineraries, and prepares travel expense reports. Schedules meetings and arranges for conference rooms and meals. Communicates effectively and professionally with clients and with others in the Firm. Is proactive in anticipating the business needs of the assigned attorneys; plans ahead and meets deadlines.
    1. The Practice Assistant will be responsible for a wider range of administrative assistance and may, on occasion:
      Provide "back-up" out-of-office assistance to the Office Administrator
      1. Provide administrative support during complex client meetings; Taking notes; ensuring smooth meeting transition; etc.
      2. Assist with training new office staff
      3. Mentor new office staff
      4. Pilot new software
      5. Travel to support opening of new offices
      6. Oversee workflow coordination in larger offices
  7. Special Projects as assigned - i.e., breakfast briefings, seminars

Requirements
  • 10+ years of experience as a practice assistant or legal secretary
  • Knowledge of legal terminology, legal documents and legal processes
  • Accurate typing of at least 70 words per minute
  • Strong computer proficiency in the use of MS Office, document management, time entry, e-filing and database software
  • Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
  • Understanding of correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
  • Strong proofreading skills
  • Superior organizational skills including filing, calendaring, and proofreading
  • Time management skills and ability to work independently as well as with a team
  • Regular predictable attendance
  • Must possess leadership qualities

Benefits
In accordance with California's amended labor code as stated in Senate Bill 1162, the expected salary range for this California position is between $75,000 and $113,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. This position qualifies for the benefits below.
Ogletree Deakins offers a robust suite of benefits for our Staff including: Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, a 401(k) matching program, Profit Sharing, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, affordable Health and Life Insurance including Dental & Vision coverage, Health Savings Account /Flexible Spending Accounts to help offset the cost of dependent care and/or health care expenses, Tuition Reimbursement and an Employee Assistance Program.
Contact Information
If you have questions, please e-mail Brooklyn Butler at brooklyn.butler@ogletree.com with "Practice Assistant - San Francisco" in the subject line. Please note, applications submitted via e-mail will not be considered.
Firm Overview
Ogletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Best Law Firms® has named Ogletree Deakins a "Law Firm of the Year" for 14 consecutive years. In the 2025 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its "Law Firm of the Year" in the Litigation - Labor and Employment category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 1,100 attorneys located in 60 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S.
We are fully committed to the importance of diversity within the legal profession, as well as all workplace environments.
Equal Opportunity Employer.

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