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Paralegal - Estate Planning
Career Insights for Paralegal / Legal Assistant
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Scorecard
Based on Illinois data
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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.
$73,658 / year median in Illinois
-5% projected decline
Job Description
Education and Experience:
Minimum of 3 years of experience as an estate planning paralegal Paralegal certification is a plus or relevant work experience will be considered Experience working with Microsoft Office resources (Outlook, Word, Excel), PDF software, document management software and ability to learn and use advanced software programs and new technology Smokeball (legal practice management system) experience is a plus Experience with some or more of the following areas is a plus: trust administration, probate, estate and gift tax preparation software (e.g., CCH ProSystem fx), purchase and sale agreements for businesses and commercial real estate, entity structures, and other corporate mattersResponsibilities:
The successful candidate will support attorneys in all phases of estate planning Draft estate planning documents to include revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney for health care and property, and related documents Collect and organize financial and asset data to assist clients with funding of revocable trusts, including preparing deeds, assignments and related documents Manage and maintain client files, both digital and physical, in accordance with firm policies Conduct legal and financial research as needed Communicate professionally with clients, financial advisors, and other third parties Maintain confidentiality and exercise independent judgmentKey Attributes:
Superior oral and written communication skills Excellent proofreading, organization and time management skills Ability to produce accurate work product with a high attention to detail Self-starter who is comfortable simultaneously managing multiple tasks Comfortable in a fast-paced work environmentOur Core Values:
Excellence Transparency Integrity Base compensation starts at $60,000+ dependent on experience. The firm has a 1,300-billable hours target for paralegals.Additional compensation includes a discretionary bonus, health, dental and vision paid at 50% for employee, flexible time off, and participation in RLLaw's 401K Profit Sharing Plan after one year of employment, which includes a 3% safe harbor contribution and a discretionary profit sharing contribution. RLLaw also offers flexible hours and legal assistant support. A limited work from home option (one to two days per week) may be considered after the paralegal has completed training and demonstrated strong proficiency and independence in the role. RLLaw values a diverse workplace, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.