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Part Time Student Paralegal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LAW OFFICES OF JOHN C CARLSON PC

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Legal Assistant / Paralegal

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... 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 ...

LAW OFFICES OF JOHN C CARLSON PC

Be Seen First

Legal Assistant / Paralegal

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... 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 ...

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How much do part time student paralegal jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for part time student 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 are part time student paralegals?

Part time student paralegals are individuals who are enrolled in a legal studies or paralegal program and work part-time assisting lawyers with legal tasks. Their duties may include conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing files, and helping prepare cases for court. Working part-time allows students to gain practical experience in the legal field while continuing their education. This role helps students build essential skills and make professional connections before entering the workforce full time.

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

To thrive as a Part Time Student Paralegal, you need a solid understanding of legal terminology, research skills, and typically enrollment in a paralegal studies or law-related academic program. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, as well as proficiency in word processing and case management software, is often required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective written and verbal communication help students stand out in supporting attorneys and managing multiple tasks. These skills are vital for ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and reliability in a fast-paced legal environment.

What is the difference between Part Time Student Paralegal vs Part Time Legal Assistant?

AspectPart Time Student ParalegalPart Time Legal Assistant
CredentialsTypically enrolled in paralegal studies or related programsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some may have legal or administrative training
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, courtsLaw firms, legal departments, courts
ResponsibilitiesLegal research, document preparation, case organizationAdministrative support, document filing, client communication
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in legal settings, often as part of educational experienceLegal offices, administrative roles in legal settings

While both roles support legal operations, Part Time Student Paralegals focus more on legal research and case work, often as part of their education, whereas Part Time Legal Assistants handle administrative tasks. The roles overlap in work environment and employer usage, but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What types of legal tasks and responsibilities can a part-time student paralegal expect to handle on a typical day?

As a part-time student paralegal, you’ll typically assist attorneys with legal research, drafting documents such as briefs or memos, organizing case files, and conducting client intakes under supervision. You may also help with administrative tasks like managing schedules and filing court documents. The workload often varies depending on the size of the firm and current case needs, but you’ll gain hands-on experience in real-world legal processes. This role provides valuable exposure to different areas of law, and regular collaboration with attorneys and other paralegals is common, fostering a supportive learning environment.
More about Part Time Student Paralegal jobs
What cities are hiring for Part Time Student Paralegal jobs? Cities with the most Part Time Student Paralegal job openings:
What job categories do people searching Part Time Student Paralegal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Part Time Student Paralegal jobs are:
Part Time Student Paralegal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time Student Paralegal job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Full Time, 95% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,376 per year, or $34.3 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

Posted 18 days ago

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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