Trust and Estate Paralegal

About the role

The Trust and Estates Paralegal is familiar with California estate planning, trust, estate and probate laws, drafts legal documents, assists in discovery and trial readiness in litigation matters, handles trust and estate administration, drafts probate-related petitions (including judicial council forms and readying pleadings for filing), and reviews and addresses probate notes.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Coordinate probate court filings and recordings, including research and familiarity with local rules
• Assist in Estate and Trust litigation matters to include document management, and preparing pleadings for filing and service, including Exhibits
• Assist in litigation discovery tasks
• Prepare probate administration paperwork, including petitions, orders, etc.
• Aid in trust administration tasks
• Communicate with clients and professional advisors relating to coordination and gathering of information
• Prepare gift tax and estate tax returns
• Prepare draft accountings in conformity with California Probate Code
• Prepare basic Estate Planning documents and assist with process through document signing

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and effective time management
• Self-motivated, flexible, with exceptional follow-through skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, e-discovery and trial preparation
• Capable of independently managing multiple projects

Education & Experience

• 5+ years of experience working as a Trust and Estate paralegal with minimal supervision
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• CA Paralegal certificate required
• Experience in either California Trust and Estate related litigation or administration preferred
• Experience with gift tax and estate tax returns preferred

Additional Information

• Individual in this position will provide additional assistance and support as directed by their supervisor
• Candidate must be flexible and able to work in the Century City office at a minimum 2-3 times a week
• This job may require occasional travel to firm’s other California office

PAY

The pay for this position will be determined based on relevant skills, experience, education, external market data, internal equity, and other job-related factors. The anticipated pay range for this role is between $90,000 - $110,000 annually.