The Kostelanetz paralegal team helps our attorneys in researching and analyzing information and collaborates with our lawyers, providing them with essential analytical and technical support.
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. 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. 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. 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 one of our two offices. Our application period is currently closed, but will open again in late 2023. 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@kflaw.com. At Kostelanetz LLP, 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 Pre-Law Paralegal Program includes training on a broad array of topics. Past courses offered to our paralegals have included: Alumni of the Pre-Law Paralegal Program often return to Kostelanetz LLP to teach courses about their professional development as attorneys. Our paralegals also attend depositions, trials and oral arguments, settlement discussions, client meetings, and conferences with government agencies like the DOJ and IRS, in order to gain experience. Additionally, our paralegals gain research and writing experience by writing articles with our attorneys. Our Pre-Law Paralegals are provided formal and informal opportunities for mentorship. In 2023, the firm hosted an interview series in which legal professionals discussed their careers and interests. This series provided paralegals with an opportunity to learn about a variety of legal practice areas and career paths. Speakers have included: All paralegals are additionally assigned an attorney mentor upon joining the firm. Attorney mentors provide essential legal and professional guidance to the paralegals, and contribute significantly to the firm’s mentorship efforts. Alumni of the paralegal program have gone on to attend Berkeley Law School, Columbia Law School, Emory Law School, NYU Law School, Harvard Law School, Stanford Law School, the UC Irvine School of Law, UVA Law School, and Yale Law School. They have also risen to Editor-in-Chief positions on law journals and secured federal clerkships at the district and appellate courts in New York and Washington, D.C. Read about them below:
