Job Details

Overview

The Office of the District Attorney is currently accepting applications for the position of Paralegal I.

Future Salary Increase

June 2026 – 7.82% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 2.13% Market Adjustment + 2.19% Internal Alignment Increase)

June 2027 – 7.32% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the-Board + 2.13% Market Adjustment + 2.19% Internal Alignment Increase)

This is an excellent opportunity that will provide you the opportunity to learn the technical concepts of the operation of a legal office and work alongside skilled attorneys.

Ideal Candidate

The selected candidate must function effectively in a fast-paced legal office, work under a high degree of autonomy and independence, and demonstrate the ability to be a quick learner to eventually become a generalist in performing a wide variety of duties. While working under the supervision of an attorney, you will be responsible for assisting in preparing cases for court hearings and trials.

Click here for the complete job description of Paralegal I.

Education and/or Experience

1. Completion of an American Bar Association approved paralegal program; OR
2. Successful completion of the Certified Paralegal (CP) examination of the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc.; OR
3. An associate's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in paralegal studies (J.D. degree qualifies).

Note: Legal secretarial, clerical, or investigative experience is not qualifying. Certified Paralegal Certification (CP) formerly called Certified Legal Assistant (CLA).

Employment Considerations

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Hiring Process and Timeline

• Job Offer and Background Process begins shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

Condition of Employment: As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Evaluation

Qualified applicants will be placed on a nine (9) month eligible list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in the employment and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you give will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans and Diversity

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization.

Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans: Veterans Preference Policy; Military Skills Translator.

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. We are committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers may be assigned to perform disaster service activities as required by law or by their employer.