Legal Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated, organized, and detail-oriented Legal Assistant / Paralegal to join our criminal defense law office. The ideal candidate has prior law office experience, strong administrative and organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced legal environment.

Prior law office experience is required. Experience in criminal defense is preferred but not required. We welcome candidates with a background in other areas of law who are eager to learn and contribute to a dedicated legal team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and legal support to attorneys and legal staff.
• Maintain client files, case records, calendars, and deadlines.
• Communicate professionally with clients, courts, opposing counsel, and other legal professionals.
• Assist with scheduling appointments, court appearances, and client meetings.
• Organize discovery materials, evidence, and other case-related documents.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information appropriately.
• Prepare, format, proofread, scan, and organize legal documents, correspondence, forms, and case-related materials.
• Maintain accurate electronic and physical case files, ensuring documents are properly labeled and easily accessible.
• Track important court dates, filing deadlines, appointments, and case-related tasks to help ensure timely completion.
• Follow up on outstanding documents, records requests, payments, and administrative tasks as directed by attorneys.
• Perform general office duties and additional tasks as needed.

Court Filings and Scheduling

• Assist with preparing and submitting court filings in accordance with applicable procedures and attorney instructions.
• Coordinate court appearances, hearings, client meetings, and attorney calendars.
• Communicate with court clerks, court reporters, process servers, and other legal professionals as needed.
• Help coordinate the preparation and organization of documents for court appearances, motions, and trial proceedings.
• Maintain accurate calendars and reminders for deadlines, appointments, and follow-up activities.
• Assist with arranging meetings, consultations, and other case-related appointments.

Client Communication and Customer Service

• Answer incoming phone calls, respond to routine inquiries, take accurate messages, and direct communications appropriately.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients who may be experiencing stressful or sensitive legal circumstances.
• Schedule consultations, appointments, and follow-up calls with clients and attorneys.
• Assist with collecting client information, documents, and records needed for case preparation.
• Provide administrative updates regarding appointments, document requests, and other routine matters within the scope of the role.
• Maintain a courteous, responsive, and professional approach when interacting with clients, families, court personnel, and outside professionals.

Administrative and Office Support

• Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence, emails, mail, and document deliveries.
• Perform data entry and update case management systems and internal records.
• Maintain organized digital files and ensure documents are saved in the appropriate locations.
• Assist with copying, scanning, printing, mailing, and preparing document packets.
• Support general office operations, including supply management and maintaining an organized workspace.
• Assist with additional administrative projects and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a law firm or legal office is required.
• Experience supporting criminal defense, litigation, or court-related matters is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and document organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, and Excel, and general computer applications.
• Ability to learn legal terminology, case management software, electronic filing systems, and office procedures.
• Professional phone etiquette and a client-service-oriented attitude.
• Ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
• Dependable, proactive, resourceful, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and other team members.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with criminal defense terminology and legal procedures.
• Experience with court calendars, hearing schedules, legal filing deadlines, and document management.
• Knowledge of discovery materials, police reports, subpoenas, motions, and other common criminal case documents.
• Experience using legal case management software and electronic court filing platforms.
• Prior experience assisting attorneys with trial preparation or litigation support.
• Spanish speaking is a plus

\nCompany Description

About the Firm
The Law Office of Salvatore P. Ciulla is an established criminal defense law firm serving clients facing serious criminal charges throughout Orange County and beyond. With decades of legal experience and extensive trial experience, the firm is committed to providing strategic, professional, and compassionate representation to individuals navigating challenging legal situations. Our practice handles a wide range of criminal defense matters, including DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, assault, theft, fraud, and other misdemeanor and felony cases in state and federal courts.

Salciulla Law is a dedicated criminal defense law firm committed to protecting clients’ rights and providing strong legal representation during challenging times. Join a professional, client-focused team where you can gain valuable legal experience, develop your skills, and build a rewarding career while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Company Description

About the Firm\nThe Law Office of Salvatore P. Ciulla is an established criminal defense law firm serving clients facing serious criminal charges throughout Orange County and beyond. With decades of legal experience and extensive trial experience, the firm is committed to providing strategic, professional, and compassionate representation to individuals navigating challenging legal situations. Our practice handles a wide range of criminal defense matters, including DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, assault, theft, fraud, and other misdemeanor and felony cases in state and federal courts.\n\nSalciulla Law is a dedicated criminal defense law firm committed to protecting clients’ rights and providing strong legal representation during challenging times. Join a professional, client-focused team where you can gain valuable legal experience, develop your skills, and build a rewarding career while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.