Paralegal Jobs in Santa Maria, CA
A Paralegal plays an essential role in the legal industry, assisting lawyers in their work by handling a broad spectrum of responsibilities. Their duties primarily include conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing and maintaining files, communicating with clients, and preparing for court proceedings. In addition, they often play a role in case development, gathering and analyzing data, as well as managing trial logistics. Paralegals help streamline the legal process, relieving lawyers of administrative tasks, and providing essential support that enables lawyers to focus on the legal aspects of their cases.
Important skills for a Paralegal include excellent research and writing skills, strong attention to detail, proficiency in legal terminology, thorough understanding of legal procedures, and the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines. They should also be proficient in using legal research software and other related technologies. Certifications like Certified Paralegal (CP), Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), or Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC) are highly beneficial and often preferred by employers. Prior to becoming a paralegal, a person may have roles such as a Legal Secretary, Legal Assistant, or Law Clerk to gain relevant experience and skills in the legal field.
There are also Paralegal jobs available in the following nearby locations:
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Demographic Data for Santa Maria, CA
Moving to Santa Maria, CA? Find some basic demographic data about Santa Maria, CA below.
Paralegal Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Paralegal Jobs in Santa Maria, CA
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Paralegal positions.
Highest Education Level
Paralegals in Santa Maria, CA offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Paralegal position
- Legal Document Preparation
- Drafting Pleadings
- Deposition
- Trial Preparation
- Wills
- Civil Procedure
- Litigation
- Personal Injury Litigation
- Subpoenas
- Trademark Prosecution
- Westlaw
- Relativity
- Document Production
- Securities Law
- Personal Injury Law
- Litigation Support
- Family Law
- Pre-litigation
- Corporate Law
- Legal Assisting
- Probate
- E-Filing
- Court Filings
- Docketing
- iManage
- eDiscovery
- Corporate Governance
- Legal Terminology
- LexisNexis
- Contract Law
- Calendaring
- Legal Research & Writing
- Securities
- Drafting
- DocuSign
- Document Management
- File Management
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Proofreading
- Resolution
- Case Management
- Discretion
- Calendar Management
- Business Correspondence
- Administrative Skills
- Distribution
- Finance
- Prioritizing
- Written Communication
- Investigation
- Microsoft Outlook
- Verbal Communication
- Flexibility
- Documentation
- Reporting
- Filing
- Regulations
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Office
- Problem Solving
- Research Skills
- Microsoft Excel
- Time Management
- Organization
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
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