Planning Paralegal

Steinbacher Goodall & Yurchak; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak is seeking a Planning Paralegal to support our estate planning and long-term care planning practice. The role emphasizes client service, accuracy, and discretion in a professional office setting in Pennsylvania.

The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and committed to quality, integrity, and professionalism. A PA Notary Public license or willingness to obtain one is required, with support provided.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Professional, courteous demeanor with a strong customer-service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with estate planning and long-term care planning matters.
• Gather, organize, and compile client asset information.
• Prepare client information summaries, asset listings, and funded asset lists.
• Perform trust funding tasks in accordance with firm policies.
• Update ownership and beneficiary designations and verify all changes are completed accurately.
• Attend client appointments and assist attorneys during signing meetings.
• Serve as a notary during document signing appointments.
• Conduct online and courthouse records research, including tax assessments, deeds, and gas leases.
• Record legal documents at county courthouses as required.
• Prepare, proofread, and manage correspondence and legal documents.
• Organize and maintain hard-copy and electronic client files.
• Schedule client appointments and initial consultations while delivering exceptional customer service.
• Maintain calendars for attorneys and staff to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Answer phones, route calls appropriately, and assist walk-in clients.
• Perform general office duties including scanning, mailing, filing, and data entry.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all client and firm information.
• Follow firm procedures to ensure all work is completed thoroughly and correctly.
• Support attorneys and team members with additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time-management

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Customer-service mindset

Team collaboration

Independent work

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak is seeking a Planning Paralegal who is detail‑oriented, compassionate, and driven by meaningful client work. This position plays a vital role in supporting our estate planning and long‑term care planning practice by ensuring clients receive exceptional service and that legal work is completed accurately, efficiently, and with care.

The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and committed to quality, integrity, and professionalism in everything they do.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Legal Support

• Assist clients with estate planning and long‑term care planning matters
• Gather, organize, and compile client asset and personal information
• Prepare client information summaries, asset listings, and funded asset lists
• Perform trust funding tasks in accordance with firm policies and procedures
• Update ownership and beneficiary designations and verify all changes are completed accurately
• Attend client appointments and assist attorneys during signing meetings
• Serve as a notary during document signing appointments

Research & Documentation

• Conduct online and courthouse records research, including tax assessments, deeds, and gas leases
• Record legal documents at county courthouses as required
• Prepare, proofread, and manage correspondence and legal documents

Administrative & Operational Support

• Organize and maintain hard‑copy and electronic client files
• Schedule client appointments and initial consultations while delivering exceptional customer service
• Maintain calendars for attorneys and staff to ensure accuracy and timeliness
• Answer phones, route calls appropriately, and assist walk‑in clients
• Perform general office duties including scanning, mailing, filing, and data entry

Professional Standards

• Maintain strict confidentiality of all client and firm information
• Follow firm procedures to ensure all work is completed thoroughly and correctly
• Support attorneys and team members with additional duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous experience in a legal or professional office environment preferred
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard office technology
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team
• Professional, courteous demeanor with a strong customer‑service mindset

Notary Requirement

• Active Pennsylvania Notary Public license OR willingness to obtain notary licensure upon hire (support provided)

Work Environment & Schedule

• Professional, in‑office legal environment
• Routine use of computers, phones, scanners, and other office equipment
• Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with one‑hour unpaid lunch
• This position is not eligible for remote work

Compensation

• $28 per hour and up, based on experience

Why Work for Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak

At Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak, our people are the foundation of our success. We are deeply committed to quality, care, and long‑term relationships with our clients and our team. Our firm offers a supportive, collaborative environment where attention to detail, empathy, and professionalism are valued and rewarded.

This is an opportunity to build a meaningful career while making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout Pennsylvania.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.