Paralegal

Company Description

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.

Role Description

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.