Trust & Estate Paralegal

Position Summary

The Probate, Trusts & Estates Paralegal will assist attorneys in estate administrations as well as supporting the San Diego Office’s Probate Litigation group on a variety of matters. Must perform in an organized, efficient manner, and be willing to support the department with general administrative duties and special projects as needed. Candidate should also be flexible to work overtime as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Files probate documents with courts throughout the State and manages dockets
• Marshals and obtains values of estate assets
• Aids in the preparation of federal estate and gift tax returns
• Prepares and files documents to transfer assets into trusts (real estate deeds, assignment of interests, transfer forms)
• Captures and coordinates with financial institutions to retitle accounts and beneficiary designations
• Prepares fiduciary accountings
• Prepares petitions for probate, trust-related documents, pleadings, and declarations with applicable courts, and manages dockets
• Tracks deadlines and filing requirements
• Aids with other department activities as needed, and performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned
• Handles sensitive financial and family information with strict confidentiality

Qualifications

• Skills & Competencies:
  • A team player with a positive attitude and able to maintain a consistently high standard of service
  • A self-starter who can work well under minimal supervision as well as take a proactive approach to his or her work and be team oriented
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, strong client service skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure
  • Ability to multi-task and set priorities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Education & Prior Experience:
  • A Bachelor’s Degree and Qualified as a Paralegal as pursuant to the California Business and Professional Code 6450 required.
  • Preferred: NALA Certified Paralegal or Advanced Certified Paralegal; NFPA Registered Paralegal or Certified Registered Paralegal
  • Minimum of five or more years of experience as a probate/estate planning paralegal in a law firm
  • Must be able to handle all aspects of estate planning, probate, and trust administration including probate litigation filings in the California Superior Courts.
• Technology:
  • Computer proficiency in Windows-based software and Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
  • Exceptional computer skills with the ability to learn new software applications quickly
  • Understanding of AI capabilities, limitations, and responsible use in a professional environment
  • Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, firm-approved AI tools (e.g., Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar platforms) to support daily workflow and/or improve work quality.

Pay

The Expected Pay Range For This Position Is $50.00 - $65.00 per hour Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Benefits

• Full time employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus
• Health insurance with an optional HSA
• Short term disability, long term disability
• Dental insurance, vision care
• Life insurance
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K
• Vacation, sick time
• An employee assistance program

Additional Programs

• Voluntary accident insurance
• Voluntary life
• Voluntary disability
• Voluntary critical illness and cancer insurance
• Pet insurance

Work Schedule

This role will be based in our San Diego (Del Mar) office, on a hybrid basis with an exception of one or two days in office per week. Regular in-office presence is required for day-to-day operations, as well as for team meetings, training opportunities, and relationship building.