Probate Legal Assistant / Probate Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $22-$29/Hour

Join an Established Florida Law Firm

McFarland, Gould, Lyons, Sullivan & Hogan, P.A. is seeking an experienced Probate Legal Assistant or Probate Paralegal to join our growing team.

For more than 80 years, our firm has been committed to providing exceptional legal representation while building lasting relationships with our clients and our community. We are looking for an experienced probate professional who is passionate about helping families navigate the probate and trust administration process with compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail.

The ideal candidate has prior experience working in a Florida law firm handlingSummary Administration, Formal Administration, and Trust Administration matters from opening through closing. While a paralegal certificate or designation is certainly a plus, it is not required. Our priority is finding someone with strong probate experience who will become an integral part of our team.

Position Overview

This position reports directly to the Probate Department Manager and the Probate Attorney. As a key member of our Probate Department, you will work closely with both to support all aspects of probate and trust administration while helping ensure cases move efficiently from intake through final closing.

This position offers the opportunity to become a trusted member of a collaborative team where initiative, organization, communication, and exceptional client service are highly valued.

What You'll Do

As a Probate Legal Assistant / Probate Paralegal, you will work closely with the Probate Attorney and Probate Department Manager to provide comprehensive administrative and legal support throughout the probate and trust administration process. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Partner with the Probate Attorney and Probate Department Manager to ensure probate and trust administration matters progress efficiently from initial client intake through final closing.
• Support the Probate Department Manager with new client onboarding, file opening, workflow coordination, case management, and overall department operations.
• Independently manage an assigned caseload of probate matters while maintaining organization, accuracy, and compliance with court deadlines and firm procedures.
• Prepare, review, and organize probate pleadings, petitions, notices, inventories, accountings, trust administration documents, correspondence, and other legal documents.
• Prepare and electronically file pleadings and supporting documents with Florida probate courts while monitoring matters through completion.
• Maintain complete and organized electronic and physical client files.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients, beneficiaries, financial institutions, court personnel, and other third parties throughout the administration process.
• Coordinate the collection and review of documents necessary to administer estates and trusts, including financial records, asset information, creditor documentation, and official records.
• Assist with trust and estate administration accounting and related financial tracking.
• Monitor court deadlines, attorney calendars, and case progression to ensure matters remain on schedule.
• Conduct legal and factual research using court databases, official records, and other available resources.
• Collaborate with attorneys and staff across the firm to provide exceptional client service.
• Proactively identify issues, communicate potential concerns, and recommend solutions to keep matters moving forward efficiently.
• Assist with special projects and additional duties that support the success of the Probate Department.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 23 years of recent Florida probate law firm experience
• Experience handling Summary Administration, Formal Administration, and Trust Administration
• Strong understanding of Florida probate procedures and court filing requirements
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple matters while meeting deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel), Adobe Acrobat, and general office technology

Preferred

• Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP), Certified Paralegal, or Paralegal Certificate
• Experience with Clio or other legal case management software
• Experience with estate and trust administration accounting
• Experience with electronic court filing systems

Who You Are

You are a proactive, dependable, and solutions-oriented professional who takes pride in producing high-quality work. You communicate effectively, work well both independently and as part of a team, and understand the importance of organization, accuracy, and follow-through.

Most importantly, you recognize that probate clients are often navigating one of the most difficult periods of their lives. You provide compassionate, responsive service while helping families move through the legal process with confidence and care.

Why Join Our Team?

At McFarland, Gould, Lyons, Sullivan & Hogan, P.A., we believe exceptional client service begins with an exceptional team. We are committed to fostering a collaborative, supportive workplace where employees are respected, encouraged, and empowered to grow professionally.

We invest in our people through ongoing training, professional development, and regular team-building initiatives that strengthen relationships and encourage collaboration across departments. We believe that when our team succeeds together, our clients receive the highest level of service.

Our firm has also embraced innovation and technology for many years. Well before remote work became commonplace, we invested in secure cloud-based systems and technology that allowed our team to work effectively from virtually anywhere. Today, we continue to build on that foundation by offering flexibility to work on-site, remotely, or in a hybrid environment whenever appropriate based on business needs, job responsibilities, and individual circumstances. We believe flexibility, paired with accountability and teamwork, creates a healthier and more productive workplace.

While we are dedicated professionals, we also believe work should be enjoyable. Throughout the year, we host employee appreciation events, holiday celebrations, community service projects, volunteer opportunities, wellness initiatives, team outings, and other activities that foster meaningful relationships and make our firm a great place to build a career.

If you're looking for a firm that values professionalism, collaboration, innovation, flexibility, and its people, we'd love to meet you.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer competitive compensation based on experience, qualifications, and skills.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities

How to Apply

Please submit your resume along with a brief cover letter describing your Florida probate experience. Be sure to include the types of probate matters you have handled, your level of involvement, and any experience with Summary Administration, Formal Administration, and Trust Administration.

We look forward to learning more about you and how you can contribute to our Probate Department.