The Pre-Law Paralegal Program at Kostelanetz LLP is a uniquely immersive experience. Paralegals work closely with our lawyers on a daily basis and attend our frequent in-house training sessions, which include overviews of law school courses (such as torts, contracts, constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, and property law) and advice on how to “brief” court opinions and “outline” law school classes. Our pre-law paralegals interact with the firm’s clients, and many of them have shared by-lines with our lawyers in published articles. The responsibilities of the paralegal position include conducting legal research and document review, providing legal and litigation support, and assisting with general administrative work, under the supervision of attorneys. Pre-law paralegals also have opportunities to assist with law-firm related administrative tasks such as reception coverage, client intake, office operations, file management, website updates, preparation of attorney and accountant continuing education courses (CLE/CPE), firm mentoring program, law school teaching, marketing, hiring, and professional development.

The starting salary for this position is $70,000 per year, based on a 35-hour workweek. Pre-law paralegals are eligible for end-of-year bonuses, which are typically $2,000, and, after approximately one year in the program, are eligible for a salary increase to a base of $77,000. Our pre-law paralegals also receive time off for LSAT studying and law school admissions days, and they are eligible to enroll in the firm’s health benefits.

Pre-law paralegals are paid for overtime, i.e., work beyond 35 hours per week.  The first five hours of overtime each week are paid at 100% of the regular time rate; any additional overtime (i.e., work beyond 40 hours per week) is paid at the rate of 150% of the regular time rate.  By way of example:  If a first-year pre-law paralegal worked 8 hours every regular day, excluding ordinary paid time off (i.e., the work typically expected of employees working 40-hour weeks), the paralegal could earn the $70,000 base salary plus overtime pay in excess of $10,000 for the year – for a total of $80,000 or more for the year.  If that pre-law paralegal were to work 45 hours during just 10 of the weeks of that year (i.e., 5 overtime hours at time-and-a-half x ten weeks) the pre-law paralegal’s additional overtime pay year could exceed $2,800.  (With a base of $70,000, overtime pay of $10,000, a bonus of $2,000, and this overtime of $2,800, compensation could add up to nearly $85,000).

The firm provides health and dental insurance (UnitedHealthcare Oxford Freedom Exclusive Provider Organization Plan and UnitedHealthcare Dental Preferred Provider Organization Plan) at no cost to its employees.  Employees may add dependents on the firm’s plan if they so wish, but the cost of such dependent coverage is 100% for their own personal account.  The terms of the firm’s plan are such that coverage begins one full month after the month in which the new employee was hired.

Health insurance coverage: Insureds participating in the health plan are limited to in-network doctors only (which is what “exclusive provider organization” is meant to convey).  The current employee co-pay is $50 per visit to their in-network primary care physician and $100 per visit to in-network specialists. (Co-pays are subject to change annually effective April 1.)  Employees may opt for additional out-of-network coverage, but the cost of such additional coverage is 100% for the account of the employee.

Dental insurance coverage: Insureds participating in the dental plan have both in and out of network coverage. The plan includes dental and orthodontic coverage.  The current employee plan does not have any office co-pays. (Co-pays are subject to change annually effective April 1.)  The current plan covers 100% of the cost of preventive dental services, 80% of the cost of basic dental services and 50% of the cost of major dental services, up to a maximum annual benefit of $1,500 for dental services. The current plan covers 50% of the cost of orthodontic services, up to a maximum lifetime benefit of $1,000 for orthodontic services. Employees may opt for additional dental coverage, but the cost of such additional coverage is 100% for the account of the employee.

We seek aspiring legal professionals with strong academic credentials who have outstanding writing, research, and oral communication skills.  Ideal candidates are organized and friendly individuals who are capable of handling multiple projects at once, meeting deadlines, and working well both independently and on a team.

Candidates should have exceptional computer skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.  Experience with website and social media management is welcomed.  Accounting experience may also be useful for some positions.

The ideal candidate is extremely high-performing in their respective college or university academic program and typically possesses a grade point average of 3.7 or above.  In addition, ideal candidates are able to clearly articulate through their application materials an interest in the law or in law-related activities (e.g., via debate, mock trial, or law journal experience, completion of internships at law firms or other relevant organizations, or research projects with professors).

Strong writing and revising skills are also crucial for this position.  Prior to application submission, candidates should thoroughly review their materials, paying special attention to typographical mistakes, grammatical errors, and the like.

At our firm, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion contribute to a safe and welcoming environment for our employees and strengthen our firm. We welcome applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, persons with disabilities, people from low-income backgrounds, and veterans. Applications from people who are members of underrepresented and/or marginalized communities are highly encouraged.

The Kostelanetz Pre-Law Paralegal Program is specifically designed to occur across a two-year period, after college (or a secondary degree-seeking program) and before law school.  Prior to applying, prospective candidates should consider whether there are any factors that may inhibit their ability to remain in the program for a full two years.  Candidates who do not expect to remain in the program for two years are advised not to apply.

Kostelanetz LLP does not sponsor H1-B or other visas for pre-law paralegals or candidates.  While there may be times when remote work is possible, at this time, we are seeking candidates who are willing to work, on-site, in our office.

Qualified candidates should submit PDF copies of their cover letter, resume, transcript (unofficial is acceptable), and writing sample.

Please direct all questions about the Pre-Law Paralegal Program and inquiries regarding application status to recruiting@kostelanetz.com.

Applications will be reviewed and positions may be filled on a rolling basis. The application period officially ends on Sunday, January 5th 2025, but applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible as open positions may be filled before that date. Applicants selected for additional consideration should generally expect to be contacted by the end of January. See here for more information regarding our firm or our Pre-Law Paralegal Program.