Trusts & Estates Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Part-Time Paralegal – Trusts & Estates

Location: Orinda, CA
Schedule: Part-Time (approximately 15-20 hours per week; flexible schedule is available but in-office required)

About Our Firm

We are a boutique law firm dedicated exclusively to trusts and estates. Our practice includes sophisticated estate planning, trust and probate administration, conservatorships, and trust and estate litigation. We are committed to providing exceptional legal services with compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail.

We are seeking an experienced, organized, and detail-oriented Part-Time Paralegal to support our attorneys in a fast-paced practice. The ideal candidate is proactive, able to manage multiple priorities, and comfortable working independently while maintaining excellent client service.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with all aspects of estate planning, including preparation of wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, deeds, and related documents.
• Prepare probate petitions, notices, inventories, accountings, final distribution documents, and other filings.
• Assist with trust administration, including preparation of notices, correspondence, asset inventories, distribution documents, and beneficiary communications.
• Prepare conservatorship pleadings, accountings, and court filings.
• Support attorneys in trust and estate litigation by preparing pleadings, discovery, subpoenas, trial notebooks, exhibits, and document productions.
• Draft correspondence and communicate professionally with clients, beneficiaries, fiduciaries, financial institutions, title companies, and court personnel.
• Maintain and organize physical and electronic client files.
• Monitor deadlines, court calendars, and case management systems.
• File documents electronically with California courts.
• Assist with document review, legal research, and other administrative and litigation support as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of paralegal experience, preferably in trusts and estates.
• Strong knowledge of California probate and trust administration procedures.
• Experience preparing estate planning documents and probate court filings.
• Familiarity with conservatorship proceedings and trust litigation is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and Adobe editing software.
• Experience with CLIO and EXCEL is a plus.
• California Paralegal Certificate or qualification under California Business and Professions Code section 6450 preferred.

Desired Qualities

• Professional and courteous demeanor.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Excellent judgment and proactive problem-solving skills.
• Compassionate approach to working with clients during difficult family and legal matters.
• Team-oriented while capable of working independently with minimal supervision.

Compensation

• $50-$65/hr. depending on experience

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter describing their relevant experience in estate planning, probate, conservatorship, and trust litigation.