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The Senior Paralegal – Family Law provides procedural, drafting, and case-management support in family law matters, including dissolutions, relationship agreements, custody/visitation issues, support disputes, property division, domestic violence proceedings, and adoptions. This role requires strong emotional intelligence, accuracy, and knowledge of family court rules and forms. Additionally, the Senior Paralegal – Family Law must have strong organizational skills, knowledge of statutory requirements, and the ability to manage sensitive client matters, as well as being extremely detail-oriented, organized, critical about accuracy, spelling and grammar and possess the ability to prioritize and follow up.
This is a very fast-paced environment, and the Senior Paralegal – Family Law must be able to multitask and assist attorneys with a voluminous caseload. This role requires a self-starter who is willing and open to learning new skills as well as taking initiative and being proactive.
JKZ employees are expected to “Think Outside the Box,” applying creativity, sound judgment, and initiative to deliver thoughtful solutions and exceptional client service. Senior Paralegals are expected to model and uphold JKZ’s mission, vision, and values in all professional interactions and to consistently produce work that meets or exceeds the JKZ Standard.
1. Document Preparation & Drafting
• Draft pleadings such as Petitions, Responses, Requests for Orders (RFOs), Declarations, Income & Expense Declarations, and settlement proposals.
• Prepare Judicial Council forms and accompanying attachments.
• Draft discovery requests, responses, subpoenas, and deposition notices.
• Prepare trial and mediation materials: exhibit lists, witness lists, declarations, and hearing binders.
2. Case Management
• Track hearing dates, mediation appointments, and court-ordered deadlines.
• Review calendar entries and follow-up with team members on impending deadlines.
• Manage disclosure requirements (Preliminary and Final Declarations of Disclosure).
• Coordinate discovery schedules and compliance.
• Monitor custody evaluation timelines, mediation reports, and follow-up filings.
• Maintain matter checklists and workflow tracking.
3. Client Communication & Coordination
• Assist clients with completing disclosures, financial documentation, intake forms, parenting information, and discovery responses.
• Explain procedural steps and upcoming obligations (not legal advice).
• Collect supporting documentation for hearings, declarations, and mediation.
• Prepare client summaries for attorney review.
4. Research & Analysis
• Conduct factual research relating to income, assets, expenses, parenting schedules, and financial disclosures.
• Summarize bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, and other financial documents.
• Prepare child-support and spousal-support guideline calculations (using required software).
• Review local rules and court standing orders for specific counties.
• Ability to perform legal research and prepare memorandums on findings and orders.
5. Document Management & Organization
• Maintain organized electronic and physical family law case files.
• Audit matters for compliance and provide guidance to appropriate personnel on corrections.
• Manage discovery documents, correspondence logs, and evidence tracking.
• Prepare binders for trial, mediation, settlement conferences, and RFO hearings.
6. Filing & Court Support
• Prepare and coordinate e-filing of family law pleadings and supporting documents.
• Track and calendar court notices, rulings, and continuances.
• Assist with preparing exhibits for remote or in-person hearings.
• Ensure compliance with service requirements for FL filings.
7. Leadership, Mentorship & Professional Development
• Provide mentorship, training, and ongoing feedback to legal staff members to support skill development and professional growth.
• Maintain MCLE requirements and reporting.
• Maintain local bar association membership.
• Attend at least two professional (2) events each year, in addition to MCLE.
• Demonstrate leadership in promoting a positive workplace culture aligned with firm values.
8. Performance & Productivity Requirements.
• Meet or exceed annual billable hour requirements.
The Senior Paralegal – Family Law will have other tasks as assigned.
Knowledge, Experience and Skills Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform all essential duties. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and physical and mental abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Mental Demands
• Excellent critical thinking, judgment, analytical reasoning, attention to detail, and high-level cognitive functioning.
• Ability to remain composed, strategic, and solution-oriented in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.
2. Physical Demands & Work Environment
• For on-site employees: Work in a standard office environment with frequent interaction across multiple departments.
• For hybrid/remote employees: Maintain a remote workspace that supports confidentiality and consistent internet connectivity for virtual meetings and system access.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, reading, and working at a computer.
• Occasional lifting of files or materials up to 15 pounds.
• Occasional travel to court, client meetings, or other legal proceedings.
3. Education & Experience
• Paralegal certificate or attestation.
• Five (5) to ten (10) years of recent experience as a Paralegal in a law firm.
4. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Demonstrated ability to communicate promptly, clearly, and professionally with clients, colleagues, court personnel, and third parties.
• Exceptional legal research, writing, analytical, and strategic thinking skills.
• Demonstrates leadership, reliability, accountability, and full ownership of assigned work and deadlines.
• Substantial experience with FL Judicial Council family law forms and county-specific filing requirements.
• Advanced understanding of court procedures, filing practices, and applicable rules of civil procedure.
• Comfortable coordinating with experts, investigators, and other third-party vendors in support of client matters.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and modern legal practice management software.
• Excellent command of English language, including grammar, usage, legal style, and professional written communication.
