Paralegal (Education Law/Public Entity)

Overview
Griffith & Thornburgh LLP is a well-respected mid-size firm in downtown Santa Barbara with an active and growing education law practice. We represent public school districts, a community college, and a local county education office on the Central Coast. We are seeking an experienced Paralegal/Legal Assistant to provide direct support to our education law practice group. This role is ideal for a paralegal with at least 3 years of experience, and preference will be given to candidates with prior exposure to education or public entity work experience. detail-oriented and motivated Paralegal to join our thriving and collegial practice. The ideal candidate has strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

You will assist with case management, legal research, discovery, and trial preparation while ensuring clients receive excellent service and support. This is a full-time, onsite position in our Santa Barbara office.

Responsibilities

• Maintain organized files and databases for active matters.
• Screen and handle client communications, phone calls, and scheduling.
• Maintain accurate time records for billing.
• Organize and maintain files for litigation, administrative proceedings, and governing body documents (such as board meeting agendas, memos, and policy documents).
• Assist in responding to subpoenas, Public Records Act requests, and discovery.
• Track deadlines, statutes of limitations, claims-filing requirements.
• Research statutes, regulations, ordinances, case law, agency rules applicable to public entities, and related constitutional law and public labor/employment law.
• Draft pleadings, motions, discovery responses, contracts and settlement documents under attorney supervision.
• Prepare memoranda on legal issues such as Brown Act compliance, conflict of interest rules, and open meeting laws.
• Help ensure compliance with laws unique to public entities.
• Assist with drafting and reviewing contracts, resolutions, ordinances, and policies.
• Support attorneys in preparing for public hearings, board meetings, and closed sessions.
• Draft, review, and finalize legal documents, correspondence, pleadings, and discovery responses.
• Maintain calendars, deadlines, and case management systems.
• Organize and maintain case files, trial notebooks, and legal records.
• Summarize reports, witness statements, financials, and case law.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of paralegal or legal assistant experience (education or public entity law strongly preferred).
• ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate required.
• Strong knowledge of California and Federal court procedures.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and case management software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Must be able to commute to our Santa Barbara office 5 days per week.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional growth opportunities

If you are passionate about the legal field and possess the required skills to excel as a Paralegal, we encourage you to apply. Join our team where your expertise will contribute significantly to our clients' success. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to:

Heidi Reece, Administrator — reece@g-tlaw.com

This is a full-time, onsite position. Only candidates able to commute daily to Santa Barbara will be considered.

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Paralegal Certificate (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Santa Barbara, CA 93101: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $80,000