Pre-Litigation Paralegal

Location: Downtown San Diego, CA (On-Site)
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Type: Full-Time (Direct Hire Preferred)
Salary: $60,000 - $80,000 annually (DOE)

Position Summary

Our growing personal injury law firm in downtown San Diego is seeking an experienced Pre-Litigation Paralegal to manage a high volume of cases from intake handoff through preparation for potential litigation. This role works closely with the Managing Partner and plays a critical part in delivering exceptional client care during a sensitive and often challenging time.

The ideal candidate brings strong personal injury experience, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining empathy and professionalism with clients.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Litigation Case Management

• Manage a high volume of personal injury cases from intake through pre-litigation stages.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date electronic case files using case management systems (SmartAdvocate preferred).
• Proactively monitor case progress, identify outstanding items, and ensure timely case advancement.
• Prepare files for litigation by ensuring all documentation, records, and summaries are complete.

Client Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients during the pre-litigation phase.
• Provide regular status updates, explain next steps, and respond to client inquiries with professionalism and empathy.
• Obtain signatures, authorizations, and required documentation from clients.

Medical Records & Billing

• Identify treating providers and initiate requests for medical records and billing statements.
• Track, follow up, and manage all medical record requests, including working with record retrieval services.
• Review and organize incoming records and bills for completeness and accuracy.
• Maintain detailed medical records logs and summaries.

Lien Identification & Coordination

• Identify potential lienholders and place necessary entities on notice.
• Communicate with lienholders regarding balances and documentation.
• Track lien information to support case resolution.

Insurance & Carrier Communication

• Communicate with insurance adjusters and defense carriers regarding claims and case status.
• Assist with preparing and submitting demand packages and supporting documentation.
• Track responses, deadlines, and follow-up items with carriers.

Administrative & Support Functions

• Draft routine correspondence and legal documents as directed.
• Manage deadlines and follow-ups with minimal supervision.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to legal and ethical standards.
• Support one assigned attorney while collaborating with the broader team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of personal injury experience required (pre-litigation focus).
• Prior experience as a paralegal or legal assistant in personal injury law.
• Proven experience handling:
  • Medical records and billing requests
  • Drafting demand packages
  • Communicating with insurance carriers
• Familiarity with SmartAdvocate or similar case management systems strongly preferred.
• Experience working with intake teams and transitioning cases to litigation is a plus.
• Experience with national record retrieval services is preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strong organizational and time-management skills (must handle high caseloads efficiently)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Proactive,

  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.