Senior Estates & Trusts Paralegal

Senior Estates & Trusts ParalegalPosition OverviewWe are seeking a highly experienced Senior Estates & Trusts Paralegal to support our estate planning, probate, and trust administration practices. The ideal candidate will manage complex estate and trust matters, prepare and review legal documents, coordinate with clients and fiduciaries, and work closely with attorneys to ensure efficient and compliant administration of estates and trusts. This role requires strong technical knowledge of probate and trust law, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to mentor junior staff.

Key ResponsibilitiesManage a docket of estate, probate, guardianship, and trust administration matters from opening through closing, ensuring deadlines and court requirements are met.

Draft, review, and finalize estate planning and trust documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, and related instruments.

Prepare probate petitions, inventories, accountings, notices, pleadings, and other court filings; coordinate e-filing and court appearances with supervising attorneys.

Conduct legal research on probate and trust issues, interpret statutory and case law, and summarize findings for attorneys and clients.

Communicate regularly with clients, executors, trustees, beneficiaries, financial institutions, and other third parties to gather information, provide updates, and resolve issues.

Coordinate asset discovery and collection, prepare asset inventories, manage transfers and distributions, and work with banks, title companies, and financial advisors.

Oversee trust administration tasks such as tax filings, beneficiary distributions, trust accountings, and ongoing trust compliance matters.

Assist attorneys in preparing for hearings, mediations, and client meetings; attend hearings and client meetings as needed.

Supervise and mentor junior paralegals and legal assistants, delegate tasks, review work product, and provide training on estate and trust procedures.

Maintain organized and audit-ready case files using practice management and document management systems; ensure confidentiality and compliance with firm policies and ethical rules.

QualificationsParalegal certificate from an accredited program or equivalent legal experience; bachelors degree preferred.3+ years of experience in estates, probate, and trust administration, with demonstrable paralegal experience supporting estate planning and probate litigation.

Strong knowledge of probate and trust law, court procedures, and administrative requirements in the relevant jurisdiction(s).Proven experience drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate pleadings, accountings, and related estate and trust documents.

Excellent legal writing, proofreading, and document-drafting skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines, with excellent organizational and case management skills.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential client matters with professionalism and empathy.

Proficiency with legal practice management software, e-filing systems, Microsoft Office suite, and document management tools; experience with accounting or trust-administration software a plus.

Notary public commission and experience preparing or reviewing tax-related trust documents preferred.

Experience supervising or mentoring junior staff and working collaboratively within a legal team.