ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Part Time Legal Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LAW OFFICES OF JOHN C CARLSON PC

Be Seen First

Legal Assistant / Paralegal

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Legal Assistant / Paralegal / Pre-Law Intern San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara, California Law ... Compensation: $20-$25 per hour, depending on experience Job Type: Part-time Location: San Luis ...

LAW OFFICES OF JOHN C CARLSON PC

Be Seen First

Legal Assistant / Paralegal

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Legal Assistant / Paralegal / Pre-Law Intern San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara, California Law ... Compensation: $20-$25 per hour, depending on experience Job Type: Part-time Location: San Luis ...

BRODY GAPP LLP

Legal Assistant

Eureka, CA · On-site

... experienced Legal Secretary / Executive Assistant to support the Managing Partner and firm ... This is a part-time Independent Contractor position with potential for full-time expansion. West ...

Mt. Diablo Trust

Be Seen First

Legal Document Assistant - Notary

Roseville, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Employment Type: Part-Time to Full Time A busy LDA Legal Services office specializing in Living ... Assistant. This position is for someone who can qualify for or is already a licensed LDA. MUST ...

Law Offices of Dean Lloyd

Law Clerk

Los Altos, CA

$18 - $20.50/hr

Law Clerk We are seeking a Law Clerk/Paralegal/Legal Assistant to join our team. You will provide ... Part-time with an opportunity to become Full-time Hourly: $18.00 to $20.50 /hour To apply: Send ...

Oakmont Senior Living

Legal Intern

Irvine, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Litigation Support: Assist in managing litigation files, including assisting with discovery ... This is a temporary, part-time, hourly/non-exempt position. Typical hours of work will occur Monday ...

COC Consultants

Legal Counsel

Riverside, CA · On-site

CA RemoteIn-House Counsel (Contract / Part-Time - Remote)Company Overview COC Consulting is a ... Handle collections matters and related legal proceedings * Assist with civil litigation matters and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLegal JobsPart Time Legal Assistant JobsPart Time Legal Assistant Jobs in California

Part Time Legal Assistant information

See California salary details

$26.6K

$47.6K

$73K

How much do part time legal assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for part time legal 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 the difference between Part Time Legal Assistant vs Part Time Paralegal?

AspectPart Time Legal AssistantPart Time Paralegal
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer legal assistant certificationAssociate's degree or paralegal certificate often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, government agenciesLaw firms, legal departments, courts
Job ResponsibilitiesAdministrative support, document preparation, client communicationLegal research, drafting documents, case management
Common UsageSupporting attorneys with clerical tasksPerforming substantive legal work under attorney supervision

While both roles support legal professionals, a Part Time Legal Assistant primarily handles administrative tasks, whereas a Part Time Paralegal performs more substantive legal work like research and document drafting. The choice depends on your education and career goals within the legal industry.

What are part time legal assistants?

Part time legal assistants are professionals who provide administrative and legal support to attorneys and legal teams on a part-time schedule. Their duties often include organizing files, preparing legal documents, conducting research, and managing correspondence. Working part time allows them to contribute to law offices or legal departments while balancing other commitments. Part time legal assistants need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with legal terminology and procedures.

Are there part-time paralegal positions?

Part-time legal assistants and paralegals are common in the legal industry, often working fewer hours than full-time staff and sometimes on flexible schedules. These roles typically require knowledge of legal procedures, document preparation, and familiarity with legal software. Opportunities can be found in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies seeking part-time support.

Can I work from home as a legal assistant?

Legal assistants can sometimes work from home, especially for tasks like document review, research, and administrative support, if their employer allows remote work. However, many positions require in-office presence for client meetings, court filings, or access to physical files. Availability of remote work depends on the employer’s policies and the specific responsibilities of the role.

How do part-time legal assistants typically balance their workload with the needs of attorneys and clients?

Part-time legal assistants often work closely with attorneys to prioritize tasks and manage deadlines efficiently, given their limited hours. Communication is key—they regularly update team members on task progress and clarify expectations early. Since workload can fluctuate, being organized and adaptable helps them handle urgent requests without sacrificing quality. Many firms offer digital tools or shared calendars to help streamline collaboration and ensure the assistant remains integrated with the team despite a part-time schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Part Time Legal Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Part Time Legal Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of legal procedures, often supported by a certificate or relevant coursework. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management software, and standard office applications is typically required. Excellent communication, discretion, and time management are essential soft skills that help in supporting attorneys and handling sensitive information. These abilities ensure efficient legal operations, accuracy in documentation, and effective support for legal teams.

What Does a Part-Time Legal Assistant Do?

As a part-time legal assistant, you support lawyers throughout legal cases. Your responsibilities may include gathering evidence, organizing files and legal documents, investigating the accuracy of the information provided, and completing additional administrative duties as necessary. You also help lawyers prepare for hearings, trials, depositions, and conferences, as well as assist with research for a case. A part-time legal assistant may only work a couple of days a week or a couple of hours each day of the week. You can work for a private practice or a law firm and interact with many lawyers.

Can I be a legal assistant with no experience?

Legal assistants, also known as paralegals, can often start with little or no experience if they have strong organizational skills and a basic understanding of legal procedures. Entry-level positions may provide on-the-job training, and relevant coursework or certifications can improve chances of employment. Employers typically look for attention to detail and good communication skills regardless of prior experience.

Is a legal assistant better than a paralegal?

A legal assistant and a paralegal are similar roles that support attorneys, but paralegals typically have more specialized training and perform more complex legal tasks. In many workplaces, the terms are used interchangeably, though some organizations distinguish between the two based on certification, responsibilities, and level of independence.
More about Part Time Legal Assistant jobs
What are popular job titles related to Part Time Legal Assistant jobs in California? For Part Time Legal Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Part Time Legal Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Part Time Legal Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Part Time Legal Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Part Time Legal Assistant job openings:
Part Time Legal Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time Legal Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,584 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Legal Assistant / Paralegal

LAW OFFICES OF JOHN C CARLSON PC

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

Legal Assistant / Paralegal / Pre-Law Intern

San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara, California

Law Offices of John C. Carlson, P.C.
Compensation: $20–$25 per hour, depending on experience
Job Type: Part-time
Location: San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara, CA

About the Firm

The Law Offices of John C. Carlson, P.C. is a small litigation-focused law firm handling criminal defense and plaintiff-side personal injury matters throughout California’s Central Coast. The firm maintains offices in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo and offers substantial hands-on exposure to litigation, client interaction, and court procedures.

This position is ideal for a pre-law student, law student, legal assistant, or trained paralegal interested in gaining practical experience in criminal defense and civil litigation.

Position Summary

The firm is seeking a part-time Legal Assistant / Paralegal / Intern based in the San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara area to assist with an active criminal defense and personal injury caseload. The position involves both administrative and substantive legal work and provides direct mentorship from the managing attorney.

The selected candidate will work closely with the managing attorney and other legal assistants and will receive regular instruction and feedback through Zoom meetings and in-person collaboration.

Responsibilities

  • Answer phone calls
  • Draft legal documents, including:
    • Complaints
    • Discovery requests and responses
    • Motions
    • Restraining orders
    • Criminal case documents and filings
  • Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda
  • Organize and maintain physical and electronic case files
  • Communicate with clients by phone and email to gather case information
  • Communicate with court clerks regarding filings, hearings, and case updates
  • Electronically file legal documents with California courts
  • Assist with general case management and litigation support

Qualifications

Preferred candidates include:

  • Pre-law undergraduate students
  • Law students
  • Paralegals or legal assistants with prior training or experience

The ideal candidate will have:

  • Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills
  • Attention to detail and reliability
  • Basic familiarity with legal research and court procedures
  • The ability to work independently and manage deadlines
  • Professional communication skills when interacting with clients and court staff

Prior legal experience is preferred but not required.

Schedule & Work Environment

  • In-office position
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Expected workload: approximately 10–25 hours per week
  • Work hours between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
  • Primary work location:
    1035 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 or 890 Osos Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
    Both located adjacent to the downtown courthouse

Duration & Start Date

  • Target start date: June 1, 2026
  • Preferred duration: 3 months to 1 year
  • Summer 2026 applicants are encouraged to apply
  • Longer-term opportunities may be available depending on performance and firm needs

Compensation

  • $20–$25 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
  • Probation Period: 3 months
  • Benefits: retirement plan and PTO after 3 months

Why This Position

This position offers a practical introduction to litigation and day-to-day law practice in a small-firm setting. The selected candidate will gain direct exposure to criminal defense and personal injury matters and will work closely with the managing attorney on active cases.

How to Apply

Please send résumé and brief cover letter.

For more information about the firm, visit:
www.carlsonlegaloffices.com