Paralegal

Trust & Estates Paralegal

Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP has an opening for an experienced Trust & Estates Paralegal in our Los Angeles office. This position is full-time and non-exempt. A hybrid schedule is available after 45 days of employment – two days remote, three days on-site.

Qualifications:

All candidates must have a BA or BS degree and a Paralegal Certificate from an ABA approved program. Minimum of five years' experience working as a Trust & Estates Paralegal for a law firm.

This Paralegal will work closely with the Trust & Estates team in a collaborative environment and will assist the attorneys in all aspects of trust and estates matters. Responsibilities include assisting clients with estate planning, trust administration, and related transactions; drafting estate planning and trust funding documents; preparing real estate transfer documents; and assisting with probate and trust litigation pleadings.

The role also involves preparing estate tax returns, compiling and organizing supporting documentation, establishing and maintaining business entities (including limited liability companies and nonprofit corporations), participating in client meetings, and providing general support on related matters within the Trust & Estates practice. The role will involve heavy client interaction. Probate experience is a plus.

Excellent communication skills, and high attention to detail with an emphasis on accuracy and work product quality is required. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Westlaw, and Adobe Acrobat Pro. Previous use of iManage or another similar document management system is a plus. Notary commission a plus.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The candidate will work on a variety of requests and projects:

• Assist with planning documents and funding of assets (deeds / transfers of accounts / beneficiary changes / property tax reassessment exemptions and reporting requirements).
• Prepare and maintain documents relating to court accountings, trust administration and probate administration.
• Prepare and administer estate plan critical dates and checklists.
• Track and assist with review of due diligence and trust and estate documents.
• Participate in conference calls and assist in meetings with clients.
• Prepare clear and concise correspondence and memorandum.
• Assist with preparing initial draft pleadings, correspondence and planning documents for attorney review.
• Collect supporting information for and assist with preparing draft estate tax returns for attorney review.
• Prepare initial documents establishing corporate and limited liability entities, including non-profit corporations, and amendments to and maintenance of existing entities for attorney review.
• Prepare draft agendas and exhibits for client and board meetings for attorney review and take notes at meetings.
• Work with team to keep client files updated and oversee to ensure pleadings, signed documents and correspondence are organized and filed properly.

Benefits/Compensation:

We offer a collaborative and professional work environment with a competitive salary and excellent benefits. A summary of our full-time benefits includes:

• Retirement: 401(k) plan with annual employer contribution; employee deferrals available
• Healthcare: Medical (HMO/PPO options), dental, and vision coverage; Dependent coverage, domestic partners coverage is available
• Life Insurance: Group and supplemental life insurance options available
• Disability: Long-term disability and long-term care insurance options available
• Wellbeing: Employee wellbeing program, including EAP professional counseling and referral services
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave; paid firm holidays
• Parking and Commuting: Parking is covered and monthly commuting allowance is offered
• Celebrations: Events for holidays, birthday commemorations, special staff acknowledgments and annual events
• Community Involvement Opportunities: Firm-sponsored community outreach opportunities are available
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)/Plans – Sections 125 and 132 plans available
• Professional Development Opportunities: On-boarding and in-house training programs, continuing learning and professional growth and development opportunities
• Hybrid Schedule: A hybrid schedule is available for this position
• Salary range for this position is $135K + DOE

Firm Info:

Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, age, national origin, sex or any other applicable category protected by state and/or federal laws. In addition to federal law requirements, Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the firm has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, retention, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.