Family Law Paralegal

JKZ LLP•San Diego, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Paralegal – Family Law provides procedural, drafting, and case-management support in family law matters, including dissolutions, relationship agreements, custody/visitation issues, support disputes, property division, domestic violence proceedings, and adoptions. This role requires strong emotional intelligence, accuracy, and knowledge of family court rules and forms. Additionally, the Paralegal – Family Law must have strong organizational skills, knowledge of statutory requirements, and the ability to manage sensitive client matters, as well as being extremely detail-oriented, organized, critical about accuracy, spelling and grammar and possess the ability to prioritize and follow up. This is a very fast-paced environment, and the Paralegal – Family Law must be able to multitask and assist attorneys with a voluminous caseload. This role requires a self-starter who is willing and open to learning new skills as well as taking initiative and being proactive. JKZ employees are expected to “Think Outside the Box,” applying creativity, sound judgment, and initiative to deliver thoughtful solutions and exceptional client service. Paralegals are expected to model and uphold JKZ’s mission, vision, and values in all professional interactions and to consistently produce work that meets or exceeds the JKZ Standard. The Paralegal – Family Law will have other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

Excellent critical thinking, judgment, analytical reasoning, attention to detail, and high-level cognitive functioning.
Ability to remain composed, strategic, and solution-oriented in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.
Prolonged periods of sitting, reading, and working at a computer.
Occasional lifting of files or materials up to 15 pounds.
Occasional travel to court, client meetings, or other legal proceedings.
Work is performed in a professional office environment.
Paralegal certificate or attestation.
1-3 years recent experience as a Paralegal in a law firm.
Communicate promptly and effectively with clients and colleagues.
Strong research, writing and strategic thinking skills.
Reliability, accountability, and ownership of assigned work.
Experience with family law forms (FL Judicial Council forms) and county-specific requirements.
Familiarity with court procedures, filing requirements, and rules of civil procedure.
Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and modern law firm practice management software.
Excellent command of English, including grammar, usage, form, and style.

Responsibilities

Document Preparation & Drafting
Case Management
Client Communication & Coordination
Research & Analysis
Document Management & Organization
Filing & Court Support
Performance & Productivity Requirements
Draft pleadings such as Petitions, Responses, Requests for Orders (RFOs), Declarations, Income & Expense Declarations, and settlement proposals.
Prepare Judicial Council forms and accompanying attachments.
Draft discovery requests, responses, subpoenas, and deposition notices.
Prepare trial and mediation materials: exhibit lists, witness lists, declarations, and hearing binders.
Track hearing dates, mediation appointments, and court-ordered deadlines.
Review calendar entries and follow-up with team members on impending deadlines.
Manage disclosure requirements (Preliminary and Final Declarations of Disclosure).
Coordinate discovery schedules and compliance.
Monitor custody evaluation timelines, mediation reports, and follow-up filings.
Maintain matter checklists and workflow tracking.
Assist clients with completing disclosures, financial documentation, intake forms, parenting information, and discovery responses.
Explain procedural steps and upcoming obligations (not legal advice).
Collect supporting documentation for hearings, declarations, and mediation.
Prepare client summaries for attorney review.
Conduct factual research relating to income, assets, expenses, parenting schedules, and financial disclosures.
Summarize bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, and other financial documents.
Prepare child-support and spousal-support guideline calculations (using required software).
Review local rules and court standing orders for specific counties.
Ability to perform legal research and prepare memorandums on findings and orders.
Maintain organized electronic and physical family law case files.
Manage discovery documents, correspondence logs, and evidence tracking.
Prepare binders for trial, mediation, settlement conferences, and RFO hearings.
Prepare and coordinate e-filing of family law pleadings and supporting documents.
Track and calendar court notices, rulings, and continuances.
Assist with preparing exhibits for remote or in-person hearings.
Ensure compliance with service requirements for FL filings.
Meet or exceed annual billable hour requirements.