Paralegal Program

At O’Melveny, we recognize that to build exceptional teams that consistently deliver best-in-class client service, we need to recruit, retain, and develop first-rate talent. To that end, we have developed a comprehensive paralegal program specifically designed to benefit the Firm’s paralegal talent and recognize paralegals’ contributory role in the achievements of the Firm’s vision.

We start by hiring highly qualified, committed professionals. We are committed to providing a rewarding career path that includes a clearly defined career track, challenging work, and the opportunity to actively participate in the development of the paralegal program. The Firm offers its paralegals a three-level career track consisting of Paralegal, Professional Paralegal, and Case Manager/Senior Paralegal. All paralegals receive written job competencies and regular written evaluations so that they are aware of the skill development necessary for advancement between levels. Paralegals also have the opportunity to be paired with a mentor who will work with them on a one-on-one basis to define and achieve individual professional development goals.

Paralegals at O’Melveny have the opportunity to actively participate in the development of the paralegal program through regular paralegal meetings and participation on the Paralegal Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC is comprised of lawyer and paralegal representatives from each office in addition to the Firm’s Director of Professional Development and Legal Support Services. The committee meets monthly to discuss the paralegal program and topics of interest to the Firm’s paralegals. This year, PAC worked with the Director of Professional Development and Legal Support Services to develop a series of regional retreats for the Firm’s paralegals.

We have also developed a firmwide training program which includes identification, sharing and implementation of best practices. The program includes topics specific to the profession, such as ethics, confidentiality, and practice skills, as well as topics that provide guidance on how to succeed at the Firm, such as time management, leadership, and technical skills. The training program is regularly reviewed and updated with input from the Firm’s paralegals, lawyers, and managers. Paralegals who have developed substantial expertise in a particular area are strongly encouraged to participate in the program through the development and presentation of training sessions.