Drafting Legal Assistant

McCarthy and Akers, PLC; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 days PTO (includes Recreation Days)

Retirement plan

Growth opportunities

Job summary

McCarthy & Akers, PLC in Winchester, VA is seeking a Drafting Legal Assistant to translate client goals and attorney guidance into precise estate planning documents. You will collect required information, draft and format packages, and carry revisions through to completion with prompt updates to attorneys.

This role suits a detail-oriented, self-motivated individual who learns quickly and communicates professionally by phone and email. Training in our drafting software is provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or higher; degree a plus.
• Experience in admin, customer service, or detail-oriented work.
• Previous law firm, legal assistant, or paralegal exposure is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Draft estate planning documents and packages (training provided).
• Format drafts for client review and revise per notes.
• Gather client information and maintain timely communication with attorneys and staff.
• Assist with signing ceremonies and final packaging for delivery.

Skills

Self-motivation

Quick learner

Attention to detail

Professional demeanor

Clear communication

Education

High school diploma / associate or bachelor’s degree a plus

Tools

Microsoft Office

WealthCounsel

Clio

Job description

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. PTO: industry-leading 40 days paid time off, including 10 Recreation Days Salary: $35,000-50,000, commensurate with experience Reports To: COO

About Us

McCarthy & Akers, PLC is a client-focused estate planning law firm dedicated to helping families protect their assets and plan for the future with clarity and confidence. We are a values-driven team that believes in doing meaningful work with integrity, faith, and excellence. As we grow, we are looking for a sharp, detail-oriented, and dependable Drafting Legal Assistant to prepare the estate planning documents at the heart of our clients' plans.

Position Summary

As Drafting Legal Assistant, you will turn our clients' goals and our attorneys' guidance into accurate, polished estate planning documents. You'll gather the information we need from clients, draft and format estate planning packages, and carry revisions through to completion - all while keeping attorneys and team members informed with prompt, professional communication. Then, you'll be involved in the final signing ceremony to wrap up the client experience.

This role suits someone who is self-motivated and thrives when trusted to own their responsibilities - someone who learns quickly, enjoys logic and detail, and takes pride in getting every document exactly right. Training in our drafting software is provided.

Key Responsibilities

Drafting & Revisions

• Draft estate planning documents and packages (training provided)
• Format drafts for client review
• Revise documents per client requests or attorney notes
• Handle 10-20 new files per week, plus revisions for approximately 5-10 additional files per week

Client Communication

• Gather needed information from clients to prepare their documents
• Maintain McCarthy & Akers' 24-hour (business day) response policy for emails and same-day response policy for calls
• Communicate with clients, attorneys, and other team members clearly and professionally by phone and email
• Keep client files organized and up to date in our practice management software

Signing Ceremony

• Format, print, and organize final estate planning documents for client signature
• Assemble high-quality client portfolios for signing day
• Attend signing ceremonies in all office locations and serve as witness for the clients' signatures
• Finalize estate planning documents into a final package for delivery to the client

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma and/or associate's or bachelor's degree a plus
• Experience in administrative support, customer service, or other detail-oriented work preferred
• Experience in a law firm, legal assistant, or paralegal role a plus

Skills

• Highly self-motivated - you do your best work when trusted to own your responsibilities
• Quick learner with strong problem-solving ability
• Natural affinity for logic and careful attention to detail
• Professional demeanor, in-person and over the phone
• Professional, clear email writing and excellent communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with WealthCounsel and Clio a plus
• Comfortable learning new platforms and tools quickly

Our Values

Culture fit matters deeply to us. We look for people who genuinely embody these qualities - not just on paper:

• Driven to go above and beyond in service of clients and colleagues
• Holistic in approach - solving problems with the full picture in mind
• Authentic in how you show up, both with clients and within the team
• Candid in communication, with the courage to say what needs to be said
• Committed to building up families, colleagues, clients, and the broader community

Compensation & Benefits

• 40 total days of paid time off, including 10 Recreation Days
• 10 days a year to re-create yourself. A Recreation Day is a day off in the middle of the week to do whatever reinvigorates you: time with family, a skydive, a play, a ballgame. We give our people time to re-create because we care about who they are outside the office: we want them to come back to their families on even the hardest days with something left to give.
• Salary range: $35,000-50,000, based on experience
• Retirement plan
• Real growth opportunities in a thriving and supportive team
• Work that matters in the lives of families and business owners
• A culture rooted in balance, integrity, faith, and professional excellence