Trust and Estate Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Trust and Estate Paralegal to support a busy legal team handling estate planning, probate, and trust administration matters in California. This position is well suited for someone who enjoys meaningful substantive work, document preparation, and legal research. The role offers the opportunity to work closely with attorneys on sophisticated matters while helping maintain organized, accurate, and responsive client support.

Responsibilities:
• Prepare a range of estate planning documents, including trusts, wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and grant deeds.
• Support probate proceedings by assembling, reviewing, and filing required court documents in a timely manner.
• Research property tax issues and assist with identifying and pursuing available exemptions related to client matters.
• Perform legal research using platforms such as LexisNexis or Westlaw to support attorneys on trusts and estates issues.
• Assist with trust and estate administration by gathering information, organizing materials, and helping move matters forward efficiently.
• Maintain orderly client files and supporting records to ensure documentation is complete, accessible, and up to date.
• Provide substantive and administrative assistance to attorneys across a variety of estate planning and probate matters.• At least 3 years of experience in trusts and estates, estate planning, probate, or estate administration work.
• Demonstrated ability to draft estate planning documents with accuracy and attention to legal detail.
• Working knowledge of probate procedures and experience preparing or managing court filings.
• Strong legal research capabilities, including practical experience with LexisNexis or Westlaw.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel for document preparation and file management.
• Excellent organizational skills, written communication, and close attention to detail.
• A paralegal certificate is preferred, though candidates with 5 or more years of directly relevant experience may be considered without one.
• Backgrounds that combine paralegal and legal secretarial experience are welcome.