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.
Probate & Estate Paralegal (3 yrs Exp Req) Confidential Oldsmar, FL Job Details Full-time $50,000 - $60,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Free parking Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off 401(k) matching Professional development assistance Paid sick time Qualifications Estate administration Court record maintenance Westlaw Caseload management Valuation Practice management software Filing Client file management Title document preparation Legal document sorting and filing Mid-level Legal client correspondence writing 3 years Meeting scheduling Clio Fiduciary duties Client management Probate process support Will preparation Court case file organization Trust legal document drafting Law office experience Legal research databases Legal case management Legal billing Associate's degree Paralegal experience Legal compliance Paralegal Certificate Communication skills
Full Job Description Probate & Estate Paralegal About Us:
We are a well-established Pinellas County law firm with 30+ years of experience serving Florida families, focused on real estate, business law, estate planning, probate and trust administration. We're looking for an experienced Probate and Estate Paralegal who can step in and hit the ground running.
Position Summary:
The Probate and Estate Planning Paralegal provides comprehensive legal and administrative support to attorneys in all aspects of estate planning, probate administration, trust administration, and related matters under Florida law. This position requires a strong understanding of Florida probate procedures, estate planning documents, court filings, and client relations. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple cases while delivering exceptional client service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Estate Planning:
Draft estate planning documents, including: Last Wills and Testaments Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts Durable Powers of Attorney Designations of Health Care Surrogate Living Wills Deeds and related transfer documents Prepare client correspondence and engagement documentation. Maintain estate planning files and document execution records. Coordinate document signing appointments and supervise proper execution of estate planning documents. Review client questionnaires and collect necessary financial and personal information.
Probate Administration:
Assist attorneys with formal, summary, and ancillary probate administrations. Prepare probate pleadings, petitions, notices, inventories, accountings, and related court filings. Coordinate filings through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Communicate with personal representatives, beneficiaries, financial institutions, and court personnel. Track court deadlines and case milestones. Assist with asset collection, valuation, and distribution procedures. Prepare closing documents and coordinate estate administration completion.
Trust Administration:
Assist trustees with trust administration requirements. Prepare trust notices, certifications of trust, and beneficiary correspondence. Coordinate asset transfers and trust funding activities. Maintain trust administration records and accountings.
Client Service and Case Management:
Serve as a primary point of contact for clients regarding case status and document requests. Schedule meetings, hearings, and document execution appointments. Maintain accurate case files and electronic records. Monitor deadlines and ensure timely completion of all tasks. Assist with billing, time entry, and matter management as required.
Legal and Administrative Support:
Conduct legal research related to Florida probate and estate planning matters. Prepare correspondence and reports for attorney review. Organize and manage physical and electronic client files. Ensure compliance with firm policies, court requirements, and applicable Florida statutes.
Qualifications:
Education:
Associate's Degree, Paralegal Certificate, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred. Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) designation preferred but not required.
Experience:
Minimum of 3 years of experience in probate, estate planning, trust administration, or elder law. Experience working within a Florida law firm strongly preferred. Knowledge of Florida probate and trust administration procedures required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong understanding of: Florida Probate Code Florida Trust Code Estate planning principles Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and legal practice management software. Experience with Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational and time-management abilities. Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines. High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications:
Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) certification. Experience with WealthCounsel, Clio, Thomson Reuters Form Builder (Westlaw) and similar legal software. Knowledge of estate tax, trust accounting, and fiduciary administration procedures.
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer. Ability to review detailed legal and financial documents. Occasional lifting of files and records up to 20 pounds.
Compensation and Benefits:
Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Continuing legal education opportunities. Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Holidays Health insurance assistance
SIMPLE IRA
retirement plan Supportive, collegial office environment
Job Type:
Full-Time Practice Area:
Probate, Trust Administration and Estate Planning Location:
Pinellas County, Florida (In-Office or Hybrid as Applicable)
Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM How to
Apply:
Please apply with your resume and a cover letter highlighting your related experience.
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Free parking Health insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Professional development assistance
Experience:
Probate and Estate:
3 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
Florida Paralegal Certificate (Preferred) Ability to