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Job Description
About the
Role:
Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas, LLP is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Trusts & Estates Legal Assistant to join our transactional practice group. This position plays a vital role in supporting attorneys and clients through all phases of estate planning, estate and trust administration, probate proceedings, and related transactions. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting attorneys in a trusts and estates practice and possess strong organizational, communication, and client service skills. Because this role regularly involves assisting clients with sensitive personal, financial, and family matters, the successful candidate must demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and discretion. This individual must be able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, maintain strict confidentiality, and work independently while ensuring deadlines are met and matters progress. A commitment to accuracy, attention to detail, and exceptional client service is essential. About the
Firm:
Founded in 1977, Hoagland, Longo, Moran, Dunst & Doukas, LLP has grown from a small local practice into one of New Jersey's premier full-service law firms. With offices in New Brunswick, Hammonton, Red Bank, and New York City, our firm serves clients throughout the region across a broad range of practice areas. Our team includes more than 100 professionals, including over 60 attorneys. We are approved counsel for many major insurance carriers and maintain a strong reputation in complex civil litigation, while also providing comprehensive legal services to businesses, institutions, and individuals. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative, supportive workplace where employees are valued, encouraged to grow professionally, and empowered to make meaningful contributions to our clients and our communities.
Legal Assistant Key Responsibilities:
Provide administrative and legal support to attorneys in all aspects of estate planning, trust administration, probate, and estate administration matters. Prepare, revise, and finalize estate planning documents, court filings, correspondence, and other legal documents. Manage attorney calendars, schedule meetings and document execution appointments, and monitor deadlines to ensure matters progress efficiently. Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and other professional advisors, providing exceptional client service and maintaining regular communication. Coordinate client intake, conflict checks, matter opening, and the collection and organization of information and supporting documentation. Assist with probate and trust administration proceedings, including the preparation, filing, and tracking of required court and fiduciary documents. Maintain accurate physical and electronic client files and ensure compliance with firm policies, records retention requirements, and applicable court procedures. Coordinate the execution of legal documents, including arranging for witnesses, notarization, and related logistics. Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment. Support attorneys and the practice group with additional administrative and legal tasks as needed.
Legal Assistant Qualifications:
High school diploma required; Associate's degree, Paralegal Certificate, or Bachelor's degree preferred. Minimum of three years of legal assistant experience, preferably in Trusts & Estates, Estate Planning, Elder Law, or Probate. Working knowledge of estate planning documents, probate administration, and trust administration processes. Experience drafting, proofreading, and preparing legal documents and professional correspondence. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Outlook, and Excel. Experience with legal practice management and document management systems preferred. Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities, with the capacity to manage competing priorities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a professional and client-focused demeanor. Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through.
Legal Assistant Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience supporting attorneys in a law firm environment. Familiarity with probate court procedures, estate administration, and trust administration matters. Experience coordinating client meetings, document execution appointments, and related logistics. Working knowledge of estate planning and trust terminology, legal documents, and filing requirements. Notary Public certification or willingness to obtain certification preferred.
Why Join us:
We offer a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment designed to help our employees thrive. Benefits Include Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Life and Disability Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 401(k) Plan with Generous Employer Match Competitive Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Discounted Gym Membership Firm-Sponsored Social and Community Events Ongoing Training and Professional Development Opportunities Collaborative and Team-Oriented Culture Hoagland & Longo is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Pay:
$50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Referral program Vision insurance
