Probate Paralegal

Ashurst Perkins Coie; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 70,930 - 141,860; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonus

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Accrued paid time off starting at 20 d

Parental leave

Up to 10 paid holidays

Family care benefits

Job summary

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP’s nationally recognised Private Client Services group seeks a Probate Paralegal to join our team in Seattle. The role supports attorneys, handles probate matters, asset allocation, and tax returns, and requires client confidentiality and high professional standards.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree, 3+ years probate/trust experience in a law firm, and familiarity with tax software. Paralegal certificate is preferred. Competitive benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of recent experience in probate and trust administration in a law firm preferred.
• Recent experience with tax preparation software.
• Paralegal Certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintains positive contact with clients and observes confidentiality of client matters.
• Coordinates and attends client conferences and assists attorneys in preparing for client meetings.
• Administers allocation of assets and trust funding and coordinates asset transfers.
• Maintains current knowledge of probate proceedings in the State of Washington.
• Prepares federal and state estate tax returns and federal gift tax returns.
• Keeps accurate time records.
• Is present at work during regularly scheduled working hours and as needed in the position.

Skills

Client communication

Data organization

Prioritization

Independent work

Attention to detail

Billing/timekeeping

Client-facing

Probate experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Paralegal Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Probate Paralegal

Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP’s nationally‑recognized Private Client Services group is seeking a highly motivated Probate Paralegal to join our team.

As a member of the Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP professional support staff team, this position is responsible for promoting and maintaining the goodwill and reputation of the firm. In this capacity, the Probate Paralegal is expected to maintain the highest level of professional conduct and confidentiality.

Essential Functions

• Maintains positive contact with clients and observes confidentiality of client matters.
• Coordinates and attends client conferences and assists attorneys in preparing for client meetings.
• Administers allocation of assets and trust funding and coordinates asset transfers.
• Maintains current knowledge of probate proceedings in the State of Washington.
• Maintains a positive attitude and provides excellent client service.
• Prepares federal and state estate tax returns and federal gift tax returns.
• Manages intestate and insolvent estates.
• Prepares estate and gift tax calculations and projections.
• Conducts evaluation of assets and prepares estate inventories.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.
• Keeps accurate time records.
• Is present at work during regularly scheduled working hours and as needed in the position, consistent with the firm’s attendance expectations.

Specific Skills Required

• Ability to express oneself effectively, both verbally and in writing and analyze and organize data for presentation to clients.
• Independently prioritize and organize workflow and possess a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and concurrent deadlines and communicate the status of projects.
• Ability to work independently upon receiving assignments.
• Have a strong work ethic, be a self‑starter, and operate with a strong initiative to meet billable requirements.
• Possess a client‑focused approach to work and the ability to handle multiple tasks and concurrent deadlines efficiently.
• Work directly with clients and other professionals outside the firm.
• Experience with sophisticated and technical probate issues.

Specific Skills Preferred

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Works well under pressure and has the flexibility to assist teams in meeting client demands on accelerated schedules.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with firm lawyers and staff, client personnel and other professionals.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• Knowledge of Oregon probate procedures.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of recent experience in probate and trust administration in a law firm preferred.
• Recent experience with tax preparation software.
• Paralegal Certificate preferred.

Benefits

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.

This position may be filled in the following location(s). The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity.

Washington state compensation range: $70,930 to $141,860 annually