Trust and Estate Paralegal

Trusts and Estates Paralegal
Del Mar Heights
Full-Time | On-site | Salary: $70,000 - $100,000 DOE

About the Firm:
We are a well-established California law firm with over 40 years of experience in estate and tax planning, trust and estate administration, probate, and business transactions. Our team is known for delivering personalized, high-quality client service in a collaborative and supportive work environment.

About the Role:
We are seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented Trusts and Estates Paralegal to join our team. This is a full-time, on-site position ideal for a professional with 5+ years of experience in trust and estate administration, probate, and estate planning. You'll work directly with attorneys and clients on sophisticated matters and play a key role in supporting the firm's ongoing growth.

Top Priorities for this Role:

1. Minimum 5+ years of Trusts & Estates paralegal experience

2. ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate or equivalent qualifications under CA Business & Professions Code

3. Experience with probate filings, e-filing, and real property documents

Key Responsibilities:

• Support attorneys with all aspects of trust and estate administration, including probate matters

• Draft and prepare estate planning documents, petitions, accountings, and court filings

• Attend client intake meetings and assist with case strategy and follow-up

• Manage case files and track key deadlines and deliverables

• Prepare asset inventories, valuations, and support estate tax return (706) preparation

• Coordinate with courts, financial institutions, and outside professionals

• Draft and edit legal correspondence and maintain communication with clients and beneficiaries

• Handle e-filing and document preparation for courts and county recorders

• Utilize Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and legal practice management tools

• Stay current with changes in the California Probate Code and local filing requirements

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5+ years of direct paralegal experience in trusts and estates law

• Paralegal Certificate (ABA-approved) or B&P Code-compliant education/experience

• In-depth understanding of California Probate Code, court filing procedures, and trust administration best practices

• Familiarity with IRS Form 706 and estate tax filing requirements a strong plus

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and legal technology systems

• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to independently manage multiple matters

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated professionalism and ability to work closely with clients

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: $70,000 - $100,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

• Schedule: 9:00 AM start, 40-hour work week

• Benefits:

  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Paid vacation and holidays

  • Collaborative, supportive team culture
    

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. For unincorporated Los Angeles county , to the extent our customers require a background check for certain positions, the Company faces a significant risk to its business operations and business reputation unless a review of criminal history is conducted for those specific job positions.