Paralegal

Gallagher Bolander Smedley, LLP; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 48,216 - 52,348; Full time

Job summary

Gallagher Bolander Smedley, LLP is seeking a Paralegal to support attorneys with document prep, review, and research. You will maintain case lists, prepare and file pleadings for trust and probate matters, and interact with clients under attorney direction.

The role emphasizes drafting, e-filing, case management, and administrative duties such as calendars, docketing, and reporting, with a focus on confidentiality and timely communications.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Paralegal Studies preferred.
• Minimum 3-5 years as a trust or probate paralegal.
• Must meet Cal. Bus & Prof. Code Sec 6450 et seq.
• Demonstrated confidentiality and professional discretion.

Responsibilities

• Drafting & E-Filing pleadings and documents for trust or probate matters.
• Case management and liaison with attorneys and clients to keep matters on track.
• Administrative duties including calendars, docketing, and file maintenance.
• Research and preparation to support attorney review and filings.

Skills

Attention to detail

Legal terminology

Client interaction

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Time management

Education

Associates degree in Paralegal Studies

Cal. Bus & Prof. Code Sec 6450 et seq.

Tools

MS Office

Adobe

MyCase

E-filing platforms

Job description

The Paralegal is responsible for assisting attorney(s) by providing clerical and research support services including document preparation and review, maintaining case lists, and assisting with preparation of case files for attorneys. The Paralegal will interact with clients under the direction of an attorney.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Drafting & E-Filing (60%)

• Drafting Trust Administration Pleadings and Documents;
• Drafting Probate Administration and Conservatorship Pleadings and Documents; and
• Preparing and e-filing all pleadings in either Trust or Probate Matters.

Case Management (15%)

• Meet with Attorneys and Supervising Paralegal(s) to discuss assigned cases or projects;
• Partner with Supervising Paralegal(s) to Manage Trust Administration or Probate Administration caseload, including other Court matters, to ensure clients are kept up-to-date or followed up with in a timely manner;
• Act as a point of contact between Attorneys and Clients as needed; and
• Provide assistance to attorneys by working with Court officials or opposing counsel to bring cases to closure/settlement.

Administrative (15%)

• Assist with preparing company files, including but not limited to matter set-ups, retainer agreements, conflict waivers, case lists and Attorney calendars, and daily record keeping with electronic and hard copy filing of documents;
• Docket, manage, and maintain client matters and track deadlines;
• Work with clients via telephone or in-person to gather information; and
• Prepare and submit all required program reports and statistics in a timely manner.

Research (10%)

• Investigate matter and/or Court file and related matters; and
• Research reference files, Local Rules, Statues, County Requirements and other online resources for cases.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands/conditions described below are representative of those that must be met/tolerated by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. (Examples)

• Ability to travel to various locations;
• Remote schedule upon approval from partners;
• Exposure to humid working conditions typically associated with a beachfront location;
• Sitting at a desk for sometimes long and continuous periods of time;
• Answering or making calls on the telephone for sometimes long and continuous periods of time;
• Looking at a computer monitors for sometimes long and continuous periods of time;
• Occasionally standing, walking, reaching, and stooping;
• Lifting up to 30 lbs.; and
• Exposure to low noise levels.

QUALIFICATIONS

Incumbents must demonstrate the ability to follow policies and procedures as established in the Company’s Employee Handbook. Incumbents will also contribute to a positive work environment by behaving and communicating in a manner such that they get along with all constituent groups, co-workers, and management.

In addition, the education, experience, and other skills listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

EDUCATION

• Associates degree in Paralegal Studies, preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS

• Must meet qualifications under Cal. Bus $ Prof. Code Section 6450 et seq.

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3-5 years as a trust or probate paralegal.

PREFERRED WORK EXPERIENCE

• Drafting Proofs of Service, Acceptance, Authorizations, Affidavits, all County Assessor Transfer Documents, Deeds, Correspondence, Waivers, Supportive Accounting Documents, Distribution Documents and Agreements, and Pleadings associated with Trust Matters.
• Drafting routine pleadings in Probate and Conservatorship matters, Judicial Council forms, Local County Court Forms, County Assessor Documents, Correspondence, and Pleadings associated with Probate Matters.

KEY SKILLS SET

• Ability to work under minimal supervision;
• Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods, Estate Planning and processes, and other related matters;
• Knowledge of attorney client relationship;
• Must exhibit a high level of confidentiality;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Strong organizational, time-management, problem-solving and analytical skills:
• Ability to meet tight deadlines;
• Strong ability to multi-task;
• Able to handle multiple requests from various sources in a timely manner; and
• Have a patient and empathetic attitude.

EQUIPMENT AND APPLICATIONS

• High proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint;
• Experience in using Adobe;
• Experience in using MyCase;
• Experience in E-filing service providers including Odessey, GreenFiling, One Legal etc.;
• Experience in working with Service of Process Vendors, Court Staff and County Administrators; and
• Working knowledge of all standard office equipment.

Pay: $35.00 - $38.00 per hour based off experience