Paralegal

• Assist attorneys in preparing sophisticated estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, family limited partnerships, and other wealth transfer documents.
• Prepare trust funding documents, beneficiary designations, deeds, assignments, and other asset transfer documentation.
• Coordinate execution ceremonies and oversee the proper completion, notarization, and recording of estate planning documents.
• Assist with probate and estate administration matters, including preparing court filings, inventories, accountings, notices, and related documentation.
• Communicate directly with clients, financial institutions, court personnel, accountants, trustees, executors, and other advisors regarding estate planning and administration matters.
• Gather, analyze, and organize financial and asset information for estate planning, trust administration, and probate matters.
• Maintain estate and trust administration calendars and monitor deadlines.
• Assist with preparation and filing of federal and state probate-related documents and tax-related information as directed by attorneys.
• Review, organize, and maintain client files and estate planning records.
• Perform legal and factual research utilizing available legal research resources.
• Draft correspondence, memoranda, summaries, and other documents for attorney review.
• Accurately record billable and non-billable time in accordance with Firm policies.
• Work closely with attorneys, paralegals, legal administrative assistants, and other Firm personnel to support client matters.

Other Duties

• Attend continuing legal education programs and professional development opportunities related to estate planning and probate law.
• Assist attorneys with client presentations, articles, seminars, and educational materials.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives and special projects as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

Reports directly to the Office Administrator and assigned attorneys.

Subordinate Staff: None.

Qualifications

Knowledge/Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of estate planning, probate, trust administration, or closely related paralegal experience preferred.
• Experience preparing estate planning documents and supporting probate and trust administration matters.
• Familiarity with probate court procedures and estate administration processes.
• Knowledge of estate and trust terminology, fiduciary responsibilities, and wealth transfer concepts.
• Experience maintaining confidential and sensitive client information.
• Experience in a law firm environment required.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Ability to interact professionally with attorneys, clients, court personnel, and outside advisors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and document management systems.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to translate complex concepts into clear, client-friendly communications.
• Commitment to providing exceptional client service.

Education

• Paralegal certification from an ABA-approved program or bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• Continuing legal education in estate planning, probate, or trust administration preferred.

Physical Demands

Must be able to move around the office up to 15% of the time to make copies, fax, file, etc. Remains stationary at least 85% of the time. This position operates computers and other office productivity machines (e.g., fax machine, copier, printer, etc.) on a regular basis. Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 lbs. This position requires constant communication and exchange of information with Firm attorneys, clients, and staff. This position must be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time.

Hybrid Office Environment. Overtime may be required.