Trust and Estate Paralegal

Saul Ewing LLP; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Saul Ewing LLP is seeking a Paralegal – Trust and Estate in Los Angeles to support probate, trust administration, and estate-related filings. You will draft petitions, manage discovery, and prepare tax returns, while coordinating with clients and advisors in a hybrid work setting.

Ideal candidates have CA Paralegal certification, 5+ years' experience in Trust & Estate matters, and strong organizational skills to handle multiple projects and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and effective time management.
• Self-motivated, flexible, with exceptional follow-through skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, e-discovery and trial preparation.
• Capable of independently managing multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate probate court filings and recordings, including research and familiarity with local rules.
• Assist in Estate and Trust litigation matters to include document management, and preparing pleadings for filing and service, including Exhibits.
• Assist in litigation discovery tasks
• Prepare probate administration paperwork, including petitions, orders, etc.
• Assist with trust administration tasks
• Communicate with clients and professional advisors relating to coordination and gathering of information.
• Prepare gift tax and estate tax returns.
• Prepare draft accountings in conformity with California Probate Code
• Prepare basic Estate Planning documents and assist with process through document signing

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Self-motivation

Microsoft Office

E-discovery

Trial preparation

Multi-project management

Education

CA Paralegal certificate

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

E-discovery tools

Trial preparation software

Job description

JOB TITLE

Paralegal – Trust and Estate

OFFICE LOCATION:

Los Angeles

DEPARTMENT:

Transactional

REPORTS TO

Transactional Paralegal Manager

FLSA STATUS:

Full time/Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Trust and Estates Paralegal is familiar with California estate planning, trust, estate and probate laws, drafts legal documents, assists in discovery and trial readiness in litigation matters, handles trust and estate administration, drafts probate-related petitions (including judicial council forms and readying pleadings for filing), and reviews and addresses probate notes. The Trust and Estates Paralegal will also prepare and review accountings and assist in the preparation of estate and gift tax returns.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate probate court filings and recordings, including research and familiarity with local rules
• Assist in Estate and Trust litigation matters to include document management, and preparing pleadings for filing and service, including Exhibits
• Assist in litigation discovery tasks
• Prepare probate administration paperwork, including petitions, orders, etc.
• Assist with trust administration tasks
• Communicate with clients and professional advisors relating to coordination and gathering of information.
• Prepare gift tax and estate tax returns.
• Prepare draft accountings in conformity with California Probate Code
• Prepare basic Estate Planning documents and assist with process through document signing

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and effective time management
• Self-motivated, flexible, with exceptional follow-through skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, e-discovery and trial preparation
• Capable of independently managing multiple projects

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• 5+ years of experience working as a Trust and Estate paralegal with minimal supervision
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• CA Paralegal certificate required
• Experience in either California Trust and Estate related litigation or administration preferred
• Experience with gift tax and estate tax returns preferred
• Self-motivated, flexible, with exceptional follow-through skills

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Individual in this position will provide additional assistance and support as directed by their supervisor.
• Candidate must be flexible and able to work in the Century City office at a minimum 2-3 times a week.
• Job may require occasional travel to firm’s other California office
• This job description is subject to change at any time.

PAY TYPE:

• HOURLY

COMPENSATION:

The pay for this position will be determined based on relevant skills, experience, education, external market data, internal equity, and other job-related factors. The anticipated pay range for this role is between $90,000 - $110,000 annually.

Saul Ewing follows a hybrid work schedule. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of one of our office locations.