Estates Paralegal - Wills and Estates Department

BC Legal Management Association; North Vancouver; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Bonus opportunities

Staff events

Vacation & sick leave

On-site gym

Parking or transit pass

Modern bright office

Job summary

Ratcliff LLP is seeking an experienced Paralegal in its Wills & Estates department, focusing on estate work and collaborating with lawyers and staff. The role is full-time and in-office at the North Vancouver location, with compensation determined by experience.

The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of recent Wills & Estates experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to handle estate files from intake to distribution.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a Legal Administrative Assistant or Paralegal program.
• Minimum 3 years of recent legal experience in the Wills & Estates department.
• Ability to manage estate files independently, from intake to final distribution.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Professional and courteous when dealing with clients, lawyers, and staff.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; experience with HotDocs is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare probate and administration applications, including resealing and s. 58 applications.
• Draft related land title documents and correspondence.
• Liaise with clients, financial institutions, legal counsel, and third parties.
• Coordinate and review required searches (Wills Registry, Land Title).
• Assist with estate distributions, including consents, releases, executor’s accounts, and trust accounting.
• Assist with committeeship applications.
• Prepare Wills, Codicils, Powers of Attorney, and Representation Agreements.
• Ensure compliance with Law Society rules.
• Manage related reporting and billing.

Skills

Estate administration

Independent work

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Paralegal program

Tools

Microsoft Office

HotDocs

Job description

Ratcliff LLP is seeking an experienced Paralegal in our Wills & Estates department, with a focus on estate work. This position works closely with the department's lawyers and staff, as well as other lawyers as required. The ideal candidate is looking for a long-term position where they can grow professionally, be appreciated for their skills and make a real difference in the community.

This position is full-time, in-office at our North Vancouver location.

The offer salary within the range will be determined based on experience.

Key Responsibilities

This role primarily focuses onestate administration, with some assistance in estate planning matters. Responsibilities include:

• Preparing all probate and administration applications, including resealing and s. 58 applications
• Drafting related land title documents and correspondence
• Liaising with clients, financial institutions, legal counsel, and other third parties
• Coordinating and reviewing required searches (e.g., Wills Registry, Land Title)
• Assisting with estate distributions, including consents, releases, executor’s accounts, and trust accounting
• Assisting with committeeship applications
• Preparing Wills, Codicils, Powers of Attorney, and Representation Agreements (as needed)
• Ensuring compliance with Law Society rules
• Managing related reporting and billing

Qualifications

• Graduate of a Legal Administrative Assistant or Paralegal program
• Minimum 3 years of recent legal experience in the Wills & Estates department, with a focus on estate administration
• Ability to manage estate files independently, from initial intake to final distribution
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Professional and courteous when dealing with clients, lawyers, and staff
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; experience with HotDocs is an asset
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

Consideration may be given to qualified Paralegals with transferable experience in another area of law.

Why Choose Ratcliff?

Founded in 1950, Ratcliff is the oldest and largest law firm in North Vancouver.

Our collaborative approach fosters teamwork, mutual support, a commitment to achieving our goals and celebrating shared success.

Come join us and enjoy all the lifestyle advantages of working on the beautiful North Shore, adjacent to the sea bus terminal.

The Extras

• Benefits package: Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, including prescriptions, dental care, paramedical services, life insurance, long-term disability, and access to an employee assistance program
• Recognition:Opportunity for performance-based bonuses
• Social events: Regular in office socials, off-site events, staff appreciation week and more opportunities to connect
• Paid time off: Ample vacation allowance, including increased time accrued with seniority. We also offer generous sick and personal leave time
• Wellness: On-site gym access
• Work Satisfaction: A culture of mutual respect and collaboration, driven by outstanding individuals
• Transportation: We provide your choice of a parking spot or transit pass
• Great work environment: Our newly renovated, bright office located steps from Lonsdale Quay comes complete with a beautiful deck with a view of Burrard Inlet and access to a variety of restaurants and shops and a seasonal farmers market

About Us

At Ratcliff LLP we act as trusted advisors, advocates and representatives, taking a purpose-driven approach to advancing our clients’ interests and building a just and equitable future in which the people and communities we serve can flourish. We are proud of having taken part in key moments in the development of Aboriginal law in this country and in the major milestones in the lives and businesses of our clients.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.