Telecommunications & Rights of Way Paralegal

Job Title: Paralegal – Telecommunications & Infrastructure Rights of Way

Location: Remote

Job Type: Contractor (Temporary)

Reports To: Founder & Principal, Stern Digital LLC

Stern Digital LLC, a media and telecommunications consulting firm, is seeking an experienced and motivated Paralegal to support complex telecommunications and infrastructure rights of way (ROW) projects—primarily focused in California. This is a contractor position, paid at a competitive hourly rate for time appropriately billed. The role is temporary, with the potential for up to full-time work depending on client demands and project scope.

The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of law firm experience, a working knowledge of California-specific telecommunications regulations, and demonstrated proficiency in drafting legal documents, managing case files, conducting research, and communicating with clients and various stakeholders to ensure compliance with federal, state and in particular local regulations related to telecommunications infrastructure placement in public rights of way. This position offers the opportunity to work directly with the Founder & Principal of a boutique consulting firm advising telecommunications providers, infrastructure developers, and public agencies.

• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and tracking easements, encroachment agreements, rights of way, and similar documents related to fiber, wireless, and other telecom infrastructure.
• Track dockets, proceedings and hearings at the CPUC and local permit agencies related to client matters and timely report on developments.
• Coordinate with engineers and permitting consultants to support local infrastructure deployments.

• Perform legal and regulatory research with a focus on California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) dockets and municipal ROW regulations.
• Monitor and summarize CPUC dockets, filings, and rulings, particularly those impacting broadband deployment, ROW access, and public utility obligations.
• Analyze city and county ordinances, permitting procedures, and public hearing records related to infrastructure access.

• Prepare memoranda, summaries, correspondence, and transactional checklists for internal and client use.
• Maintain organized legal files using cloud-based platforms such as Google Drive.
• Track multi-jurisdictional deadlines and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Help ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations regarding the placement of telecom facilities in public rights of way.
• Support attorney-client communications, meeting prep, and project timelines.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent work experience in a field that develops the skills required for the position.
• 3–5 years of paralegal experience at a medium to large-sized law firm, with emphasis on telecommunications, infrastructure, land use, or real estate.
• Demonstrated experience working with California municipalities on rights of way, permitting, and infrastructure access matters.
• Strong working knowledge of CPUC procedures, including docket research, e-filing, and decision tracking.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills, particularly in regulatory and municipal contexts.
• Digital proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive).
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects under tight timelines, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in legal research methods and resources.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Preferred:

• Experience supporting or interacting with California cities on telecommunications or utility-related issues.
• Background in development review, zoning, or land use permitting processes in California jurisdictions.
• Familiarity with telecom-related proceedings before the CPUC and FCC.

• Status: Independent Contractor
• Rate: Competitive hourly rate, commensurate with experience
• Hours: Temporary, with availability to work up to full-time, depending on client needs
• Location: Fully remote; California-based candidates or those with in-depth knowledge of California regulatory processes are strongly preferred.

Please submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the position. Writing samples or research memos related to regulatory or infrastructure matters may be requested during the hiring process.