At Walden Macht & Haran LLP (WMH), we offer a 2-year Paralegal Program, open to graduating college seniors and recent college graduates who are actively pursuing legal careers and seeking substantive experience in the legal field prior to attending law school.
Based in our New York office, WMH paralegals receive in-house training to work alongside our seasoned attorneys and make meaningful contributions to their assigned case teams.
Unique to WMH, our paralegals are not limited to working within one practice area, nor is the paralegal team tiered with positions based on different levels of experience. Every WMH paralegal has an equal opportunity to work on high-profile and pro bono matters within any Firm practice area and will be tasked with both junior and senior responsibilities.
Paralegals’ Impact on the Firm
WMH Paralegals work side-by-side with attorneys at all levels and assume important roles on complex projects under the supervision of the Firm’s Paralegal Manager.
Under the direction and guidance of our attorneys, paralegals manage their own cases and contribute at every stage, beginning with the initial client engagement, through the investigation or discovery process, and all the way to trial and/or appeals. As an integral part of our Firm, paralegals are also encouraged to fully participate in our WMH initiatives, including any committees, CLE programs, volunteer events, and social gatherings. Paralegals complete our 2-year program with meaningful exposure to the legal field that will serve as a solid foundation to future careers.
Annual Recruitment
At WMH, we are committed to hiring individuals of the highest caliber with diverse backgrounds and strong academic records.
Candidates must apply with a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample. All application materials are to be sent and addressed only to Alexis Rasquinha, Paralegal Manager at paralegalrecruitment@wmhlaw.com. Paralegal applications are reviewed on a rolling basis or as positions become available.
Qualifications
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and writing skills
- Exceptional attention to detail, including impeccable proofreading and editing skills
- High-level aptitude in computer software, applications, and technology
- Service-oriented mindset with the ability to manage competing deadlines, push projects to completion, and maintain a positive pro-team attitude
- Flexibility to work the necessary hours and ability to work in-office, remotely, and/or travel for business purposes
- A Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA upon graduation
Opportunities
- Preparing, editing, and maintaining administrative and client-related documents, including correspondence, productions, court filings, etc.
- Performing and summarizing legal and factual research for potential, active, and related cases
- Preparing for and notetaking in intake meetings, depositions, client meetings, proffers, and court appearances
- Completing in-house skills trainings in Microsoft applications, Bluebook, Westlaw, and PACER to perform cite-checking, document processing, and electronic case filings in both state and federal courts
- Participation in continued team trainings and direct attorney mentor sessions for furthering career development
Salary & Benefits
- Eligibility for up to 10 vacation days and 40 hours of sick leave per year
- Opportunity to receive a discretionary year-end, merit-based bonus
- Reimbursement for up to $2,500 in eligible moving expenses upon employment
- Reimbursement for the cost of enrollment in a graduate school exam prep course (i.e., LSAT, GRE, GMAT and MCAT) for up to $1,000 after six months of employment
- Eligibility to enroll in the firm’s medical benefits on the 1st of the month following date of hire
- Eligibility to participate in the firm’s 401(k) plan after six months of employment
- Overtime pay and meal and transportation allowances when working overtime
- Paralegal salary range: $50,000 to $60,000/year
Testimonials
My experience as a paralegal for WMH was unbeatable.
As a paralegal, I had the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to exciting matters. I observed trials, attended depositions, and assisted attorneys preparing court filings for all stages of litigation. The breadth and depth of my experiences at WMH allowed me to better understand my interests, which enabled me to hit the ground running as a law student at UCLA. Everyone I worked with, from associate to name partner, treated me like a valued member of the Firm. I started at WMH with just an inkling that I wanted to pursue a career in law and, as a result of my experience as a paralegal for the Firm, I left for law school two years later inspired and excited to become a lawyer.
Robert Carpenter, University of Los Angeles School of Law '24Working at WMH allowed me the chance to develop substantive writing and analytical skills, as well as organizational skills and attention to detail, that helped me succeed in law school.
It was tremendously helpful to begin law school having had hands-on experience with motion practice, witness preparation, and other aspects of litigation. At WMH, I had the opportunity to assist with a federal criminal trial and provide support inside and outside of the courtroom. This included everything from preparing exhibits for the trial to attending client preparation meetings and even helping to draft questions for witnesses. The attorneys at WMH took the time to explain the complex legal concepts behind the work we were doing; I always felt like a full participant in the process. I am about to begin my career as an associate at a large litigation firm, and I credit WMH with setting me on this path and helping me build the skills to succeed.
Arielle Gerber, Columbia Law School '22Working as a paralegal at WMH taught me how to be a professional and put me on the path to becoming a lawyer.
Whether through working on a bank monitorship or assisting attorneys with filings, I learned a great deal about legal practice and will always be grateful for the trust, kindness, and mentorship demonstrated by the attorneys at WMH.
Giovanni Scarcella, Fordham University School of Law '22