Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Paralegal
Career Insights for Paralegal / Legal Assistant
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on California data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Paralegal or Legal Assistant assists attorneys and law offices with a variety of tasks ranging from administrative support to legal research and writing. Maintains and organizes files or file databases. Conducts legal or other background research, assists with preparation for trials or hearings, and drafts documents to be filed. Uses software for electronic discovery of materials such as email for a trial. May specialize in a particular area of the law such as corporate or criminal law, family law or real estate law.
$76,708 / year median in California
+8% projected growth
Job Description
Responsibilities:
- Guide clients, trustees, and family members through trust and estate administration matters with care.
- Coordinate communications with beneficiaries and outside professionals such as accountants, financial advisors, and other consultants to keep matters moving efficiently.
- Prepare and revise legal correspondence, transfer documents, deeds, and court filings related to probate and estate administration.
- Assemble and maintain detailed asset schedules, allocation summaries, and distribution records to support accurate administration.
- Assist with the preparation of federal estate and gift tax filings, including Forms 706 and 709, and organize supporting financial information.
- Examine bank records and related financial documents to identify assets, verify transactions, and support reporting requirements.
- Maintain orderly client files, oversee document execution logistics, and provide notarial support when needed.
- Contribute to the day-to-day management of probate proceedings and post-death trust administration from opening through final distribution. Requirements
- At least 3 years of paralegal experience focused on trust and estate matters within a law firm environment.
- Completion of an approved paralegal program or equivalent qualification is required; a bachelor's degree is preferred.
- Practical experience handling trust administration after the death of a trustor, including preparation of final distribution documentation.
- Working knowledge of estate and gift tax principles, with experience supporting or preparing Forms 706 and 709.
- Strong understanding of probate procedures and familiarity with Judicial Council forms.
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and a substantial workload independently.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, along with strong analytical, proofreading, and numerical abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; familiarity with legal and tax-related software platforms is preferred.