The Trust and Estates Legal Assistant plays a critical role in supporting a sophisticated Trust and Estates practice at a well-established law firm. This full-time position is designed for a detail-oriented professional who excels in providing comprehensive administrative and legal support to an attorney specializing in estate planning, probate, wills, and trust matters. The Trust and Estates Legal Assistant will work in a collaborative, high-performing environment, contributing directly to the success of the firm's clients and attorneys.
As a Trust and Estates Legal Assistant, the primary responsibility is to ensure seamless day-to-day operations for the assigned attorney. This involves managing a diverse set of tasks, from preparing and organizing legal documents to coordinating client meetings and managing sensitive information. The role requires strong communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to proactively manage deadlines and competing priorities. The Trust and Estates Legal Assistant will be entrusted with handling confidential documents, maintaining accurate records, and facilitating the smooth execution of estate planning processes.
Working alongside experienced legal professionals, the Trust and Estates Legal Assistant will provide essential support in estate planning, probate, and trust administration. The ideal candidate will have prior experience working within a law firm or a comparable legal setting, with a strong foundation in Trust and Estates or Probate matters. Demonstrated proficiency in document and file management, as well as in using Microsoft Office and legal document management systems, is highly valued in this role.
The Trust and Estates Legal Assistant position offers excellent benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to thrive in a positive and supportive work environment. The firm is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and excellence, allowing team members to develop their skills and advance their careers in the legal field.
Trust and Estates Legal Assistant - Summary
- Provides dedicated administrative and legal support to an attorney in the Trust and Estates practice area.
- Assists with estate planning, probate, wills, trusts, and related legal matters.
- Organises and maintains legal documents and client correspondence.
- Ensures efficient workflow and communication within the practice group.
- Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive client information with discretion.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Prepare, revise, and organize legal documents, correspondence, and transmittal materials.
- Coordinate client meetings, document execution, appointments, and matter-related activities.
- Manage attorney calendars, deadlines, and follow-up items to ensure timely completion of tasks.
- Communicate professionally with clients regarding scheduling, document status, and administrative matters.
- Maintain organised physical and electronic client files, including scanning and indexing documents in the firm’s management system.
- Assist with the organisation, maintenance, and storage of original estate planning documents.
- Maintain accurate records of original and executed client documents.
- Handle confidential and sensitive client information with utmost discretion.
- Proactively keep matters organised and moving forward, anticipating attorney and client needs.
Salary & Benefits
- Profit Sharing 401(k) plan.
- Paid parking or mass transit subsidy.
- Three weeks of vacation provided, with additional vacation based on tenure.
- 10 paid holidays per year.
- Comprehensive healthcare and wellness plans.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions.
- Life insurance coverage.
- Accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
- Paid short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Prior law firm or comparable legal experience is required.
- Experience in Trust and Estates or substantial Probate experience is necessary.
- Approximately 1 to 3 years of relevant legal assistant experience is sufficient.
- Candidates with meaningful experience supporting estate planning, probate, wills, trusts, or estate administration are encouraged to apply.
- Strong document and file management skills are essential.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Experience with legal document management systems is preferred.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Professional written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines, and provide proactive support.
- Demonstrated capacity to handle confidential information appropriately.
Ideal Candidate Snapshot
- Detail-oriented and highly organised professional.
- Demonstrates initiative and the ability to anticipate needs.
- Comfortable managing sensitive information and high-volume documentation.
- Able to work collaboratively within a team environment.
- Strong communicator with clients and colleagues.
- Adaptable and able to manage shifting priorities.
- Committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
Other Relevant Information
- Join a reputable, full-service law firm with a long-standing presence in the legal community.
- Benefit from a collaborative workplace and opportunities for long-term career growth.
- Enjoy the advantages of working in a city known for its vibrant legal market and professional opportunities.
- The firm values diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices and workplace culture.