Intro
Discover the top 10 paralegal jobs in Los Angeles, featuring in-demand roles in law firms, corporations, and government agencies. Explore paralegal career opportunities in litigation, intellectual property, and employment law, and learn about average salaries, job requirements, and growth prospects in this thriving legal hub.
Los Angeles, the second-most populous city in the United States, is a hub for various industries, including law. As a paralegal, you'll find numerous job opportunities in LA, from corporate law firms to government agencies. Here, we'll explore the top 10 paralegal jobs in Los Angeles, covering a range of specialties and industries.
1. Corporate Paralegal at a Top Law Firm
Working as a corporate paralegal at a top law firm in LA can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. You'll assist attorneys with mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, and other corporate transactions. Top law firms in LA, such as Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates, and Latham & Watkins LLP, offer competitive salaries and benefits.
- Median salary: $65,000 - $85,000 per year
- Requirements: Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification, and 2+ years of experience
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist attorneys with document preparation and review
- Conduct research and due diligence
- Coordinate with clients and other stakeholders
2. Intellectual Property Paralegal
As an intellectual property (IP) paralegal, you'll work with attorneys to protect clients' patents, trademarks, and copyrights. This role requires a strong understanding of IP law and procedures. Companies like Google and Facebook have IP teams in LA, and law firms like Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP specialize in IP law.
- Median salary: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
- Requirements: Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification, and 2+ years of experience
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with patent and trademark applications
- Conduct research and analysis of IP laws and regulations
- Coordinate with clients and other stakeholders
3. Litigation Paralegal
Litigation paralegals play a crucial role in preparing for trials and hearings. You'll work with attorneys to gather evidence, conduct research, and prepare documents. Law firms like Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP and Jones Day have litigation teams in LA.
- Median salary: $55,000 - $75,000 per year
- Requirements: Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification, and 2+ years of experience
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with document discovery and review
- Conduct research and analysis of case law
- Coordinate with clients and other stakeholders
4. Family Law Paralegal
Family law paralegals work with attorneys to assist clients with divorce, child custody, and other family law matters. Law firms like Waters, McCluskey & Boehle and Hatch & Parent specialize in family law.
- Median salary: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
- Requirements: Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification, and 2+ years of experience
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with document preparation and review
- Conduct research and analysis of family law
- Coordinate with clients and other stakeholders
5. Government Paralegal
Government paralegals work in various agencies, such as the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office or the City Attorney's Office. You'll assist attorneys with research, document preparation, and other tasks.
- Median salary: $45,000 - $65,000 per year
- Requirements: Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification, and 2+ years of experience
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with document preparation and review
- Conduct research and analysis of laws and regulations
- Coordinate with other government agencies
6. Immigration Paralegal
Immigration paralegals work with attorneys to assist clients with visa applications, green card petitions, and other immigration matters. Law firms like Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP and Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP specialize in immigration law.
- Median salary: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
- Requirements: Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification, and 2+ years of experience
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with document preparation and review
- Conduct research and analysis of immigration laws and regulations
- Coordinate with clients and other stakeholders
7. Employment Law Paralegal
Employment law paralegals work with attorneys to assist clients with employment disputes, wage and hour claims, and other employment-related matters. Law firms like Seyfarth Shaw LLP and Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. specialize in employment law.
- Median salary: $55,000 - $75,000 per year
- Requirements: Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification, and 2+ years of experience
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with document preparation and review
- Conduct research and analysis of employment laws and regulations
- Coordinate with clients and other stakeholders
8. Real Estate Paralegal
Real estate paralegals work with attorneys to assist clients with property transactions, leasing agreements, and other real estate-related matters. Law firms like Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP and Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP specialize in real estate law.
- Median salary: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
- Requirements: Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification, and 2+ years of experience
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with document preparation and review
- Conduct research and analysis of real estate laws and regulations
- Coordinate with clients and other stakeholders
9. Bankruptcy Paralegal
Bankruptcy paralegals work with attorneys to assist clients with bankruptcy filings, debt restructuring, and other bankruptcy-related matters. Law firms like Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP and Levene, Neale, Bender, Yoo & Brill L.L.P. specialize in bankruptcy law.
- Median salary: $45,000 - $65,000 per year
- Requirements: Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification, and 2+ years of experience
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with document preparation and review
- Conduct research and analysis of bankruptcy laws and regulations
- Coordinate with clients and other stakeholders
10. Environmental Law Paralegal
Environmental law paralegals work with attorneys to assist clients with environmental compliance, permitting, and other environmental-related matters. Law firms like Latham & Watkins LLP and Sidley Austin LLP specialize in environmental law.
- Median salary: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
- Requirements: Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification, and 2+ years of experience
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with document preparation and review
- Conduct research and analysis of environmental laws and regulations
- Coordinate with clients and other stakeholders
In conclusion, Los Angeles offers a wide range of paralegal job opportunities across various industries and specialties. Whether you're interested in corporate law, intellectual property, or environmental law, there's a paralegal job in LA that's right for you.
We invite you to share your thoughts on the top paralegal jobs in Los Angeles. Have you worked as a paralegal in LA? Share your experiences and advice with our readers.
What is the average salary for a paralegal in Los Angeles?
+The average salary for a paralegal in Los Angeles varies depending on the industry, experience, and specialty. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for paralegals in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metropolitan Division was $62,610 in May 2020.
What are the most in-demand paralegal specialties in Los Angeles?
+According to job market trends and industry reports, the most in-demand paralegal specialties in Los Angeles include corporate law, intellectual property, litigation, employment law, and real estate.
What are the requirements to become a paralegal in Los Angeles?
+To become a paralegal in Los Angeles, you typically need to have a bachelor's degree, paralegal certification, and 2+ years of experience. Additionally, many employers require paralegals to have a strong understanding of California law and procedures.