Overview
Criminal Defense Legal Assistant Jobs in Santa Maria, CA at Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C.
Criminal Defense Legal Assistant – Santa Maria or Templeton, California
We are seeking a full-time Criminal Defense Legal Assistant to join our team in either our Santa Maria or Templeton office. This position is ideal for someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, and genuinely enjoys supporting both clients and attorneys. The right candidate will communicate with warmth and professionalism, take initiative, and remain dependable in a fast-paced legal environment.
The role involves frequent phone and in-person communication with potential new clients, current clients, attorneys, and other legal professionals. It also includes providing administrative support to attorneys, maintaining accurate case information, coordinating client follow-up, managing multiple priorities, and helping ensure that important tasks and communications do not fall through the cracks.
What We Offer
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Compensation: Starting at $24–$27 per hour. -
Performance-Based Bonuses: Available after a probationary period. -
Paid Time Off: Sick leave. -
Collaborative, Client-Centered Culture: Join a team that values compassion, teamwork, and excellence in service. -
Mentorship: You will be mentored both by non-attorney team members and our attorneys.
Full-time employees are eligible for an expanded benefits package, which will be discussed during the hiring process.
Schedule Full-Time Position
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40 Hours Per Week
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Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with an hour break for lunch.
This is an in-office position based in either our Santa Maria or Templeton office. Consistent attendance and punctuality are essential, as this role is responsible for answering incoming calls and supporting clients.
Why Join Us
We are a team that believes in:
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Excellence: Every client deserves our very best, in and out of court. -
Compassion: We treat our fellow team members and clients with humanity and dignity. -
Growth: We support each other in developing our skills, careers, and life balance. -
Impact: We are fueled by the knowledge that the work we do profoundly changes lives.
How to Apply
For consideration for this position, please apply directly through Wizehire.
Submitting your application through Wizehire helps us keep everything organized and ensures your application is reviewed promptly.
Please include your most up-to-date resume and a cover letter when you apply through Wizehire. The cover letter does not need to be long or formal. We are more interested in clarity, communication skills, and client interaction ability than length or formatting.
Your cover letter should include answers to the following:
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Why are you a good fit for SCLF P.C., and what about our mission resonates with you?
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Describe how you support a busy supervisor, anticipate their needs, stay organized, and ensure important tasks and communications do not fall through the cracks.
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How do you approach building trust and rapport with clients and coworkers, particularly in stressful or fast-paced situations?
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What really sets you apart from the crowd (and isn’t on your resume)?
Please do not call our office regarding this position.
All applications should be submitted to Wizehire using the link mentioned above. If your application is selected, we will contact you with the next steps.
This is an opportunity to be part of a mission-driven and growth-oriented team where your skills make a real impact. If you’re ready to grow, contribute, and thrive in a collaborative environment, we look forward to hearing from you.
Compensation:
$24 – $27 hourly
Responsibilities:
What You’ll Do
Client Care & Follow-Up
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Conduct follow-up calls with current clients to provide updates, support, and helpful resources.
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Help clients feel heard and supported, particularly when they are experiencing stressful or difficult circumstances.
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Gather documents and information from clients as requested by attorneys or case managers.
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Coordinate with attorneys, case managers, and other team members to ensure clients receive timely and consistent communication.
Administrative & Team Support
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Assist with administrative projects, document preparation, scheduling, data entry, and other office-related responsibilities.
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Learn and confidently use the firm’s software, case management systems, and internal workflows.
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Handle confidential and sensitive client information with professionalism and discretion.
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Manage multiple assignments and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
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Provide additional support to the firm’s clients, attorneys, and non-attorney team members as needed.
What Success Looks Like
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Callers feel heard, supported, and confident that their concerns have been accurately communicated.
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Client and caller information is documented accurately, thoroughly, and promptly.
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Emails, calls, appointments, and follow-up items are routed to the appropriate team members without unnecessary delays.
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You adapt quickly to the firm’s systems, software, terminology, and procedures.
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You remain organized and dependable while managing multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
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Attorneys and team members can rely on you to communicate effectively, protect confidential information, take initiative, and follow through on assigned tasks.
Qualifications:
Who You Are
Experience & Adaptability
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You have at one year of administrative or executive support experience in roles such as intern, administrative assistant, or office support assistant.
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You are a fast learner who adapts quickly to new software, systems, and workflows. You are tech-savvy and comfortable navigating digital tools to stay organized and efficient.
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You’re not intimidated by legal terminology and are comfortable working in a legal environment.
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A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required; your level of actual work experience and aptitude for this work is what’s most important.
Communication & Client Interaction
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You have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong grammar and proofreading abilities.
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You have great phone etiquette and a warm, compassionate presence. You are kind, caring, and nurturing, with the ability to guide conversations respectfully and effectively.
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You’re the kind of person clients remember for making them feel heard and supported, and someone who leaves a positive impression. We are looking for the type of person that people reach out to tell us: “Your assistant was so kind and understanding with me. I felt better after interacting with your assistant.”
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You are meticulous when taking down caller information, ensuring names and email addresses are spelled and recorded correctly.
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Spanish-speaking proficiency is preferred but not required and would be valuable in helping us better serve our diverse client base.
Organization & Confidentiality
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You are highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of juggling multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
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You are a self-starter who works independently and takes initiative.
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You understand the importance of confidentiality and always handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
About Company
Who We Are
Founded in 2017, Stein-Conaway DUI & Criminal Defense was voted “Best Defense Law Firm” in the SLO Tribune’s 2026 Best of the Central Coast Awards and has earned more than 275 five-star Google reviews. We are a premier criminal defense practice serving the San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria courts, representing clients facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Clients receive more than a lawyer who appears in court—they gain a team of dedicated advocates. We measure success by both courtroom outcomes and the experience we provide throughout each case.
Our approach is grounded in three core values: Excellence, Compassion, and Growth. Outstanding representation requires strong advocacy, preparation, reliability, ownership, proactive communication, consistent follow-through, and genuine care.
Title: Criminal Defense Legal Assistant
Company: Stein-Conaway Law Firm, P.C.
Location: Santa Maria, CA
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