Legal Assistant at David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys – San Diego, California

We're looking for a sharp, decisive legal assistant who can operate independently and speak confidently with court staff, other law firms, and clients. You'll be a critical link between our attorneys and the people we defend — often in high-stakes situations where precision, composure, and integrity matter enormously.

We're a San Diego-based boutique criminal defense firm that takes pride in being unconventional, thorough, and unapologetically committed to excellence. Excellence, for us, is not a goal — it's a habit. If you embody integrity, respect, clear communication, a positive outlook, and genuine adaptability, and if you thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments, this may be your role.

This position is in-person, full-time, and needs to be filled by May 1.

Since 2010, our Firm has helped good people regain control of their future when charged with a crime, providing unsurpassed service to those who call upon us to help them during what is likely the most stressful time in their lives. We strive to always deliver excellence and create a positive and lasting impact on the San Diego community beyond criminal defense. We are a 2022 Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics Winner.

$30 - $40 hourly

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, courts, and prosecutorial agencies. Communicate with confidence and professionalism in person and on the phone, build genuine rapport, and represent the firm's integrity in every interaction.
• Maintain and improve firm policies and procedures, ensuring systems reflect our commitment to high standards.
• Handle all document workflows: copying, scanning, and filing — both physical and digital — with meticulous attention to detail.
• Execute data entry using web-based systems and MS Office Suite accurately. Errors in legal case management have real consequences.
• Support the business side of the practice. Client relationships and communication keep a firm running.
• Drafting motions, completing forms, and basic legal research.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Exceptional customer service background. You know how to listen, empathize, and make people feel heard — especially people in difficult situations.
• Law firm experience required. But what matters more is demonstrated reliability, ownership of your work, and the ability to thrive without hand-holding.
• Genuine commitment to our core principles: integrity, respect, communication, positivity, and adaptability. These aren't buzzwords here — they define how we work every day and are the standard.
• Self-directed multitasker who thinks on their feet, makes smart decisions, and manages competing demands without constant supervision.
• Strong work ethic and an eye for excellence. How you do anything is how you do everything.
• Eagerness to learn. Ability and willingness to learn Agentic AI a plus.
• Consistency. Treating a client or task at 5:15 P.M. on a Friday with the same care and compassion as one Monday at 9:15 A.M.

Experience. This is not an entry-level or remote/hybrid position. If that's what you're looking for, this isn't the right fit

Since 2010, our Firm has helped good people regain control of their future when charged with a crime, providing unsurpassed service to those who call upon us to help them during what is likely the most stressful times in their lives. We strive to consistently deliver excellence and create a positive, lasting impact on the San Diego community, extending beyond the realm of criminal justice. We are a 2022 Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics Winner.