Trust & Estates Paralegal

Handler Law LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Generous benefits

Client events

Employee lounge access

Job summary

Handler Law, LLP in Chicago, IL seeks a dedicated Estate Planning and Probate Paralegal to support attorneys across all stages of estate planning and probate matters. You will assist with drafting documents, filing with courts, and coordinating with clients and professionals.

The role requires strong written and oral communication, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines. Paralegal certification or degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of paralegal experience in estate planning or probate
• Strong knowledge of probate court procedures and rules
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Proficient in legal research and document drafting
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in drafting estate planning and probate documents
• Help manage and organize estate and probate files
• Formation of business entities
• Conduct legal research relevant to estate planning and probate processes
• Coordinate with clients, court personnel and other legal professionals
• Prepare and file legal documents within the appropriate courts
• Update and maintain databases and tracking systems
• Ensure all deadlines are met in a timely manner
• Follow up with clients on necessary paperwork and signatures

Skills

Paralegal experience

Legal research

Attention to detail

Written & verbal communication

Time management

Education

Paralegal certification or degree

Job description

Handler Law, LLP is an internationally recognized firm based in downtown Chicago that focuses on Business & Corporate Law, Private Client Trusts & Estates and Taxation serving primarily affluent families, family offices and privately held companies. We are looking for a dedicated and meticulous Estate Planning and Probate Paralegal to join our team.

The successful candidate will assist attorneys in all stages of basic and advanced estate planning and probate processes and should have a firm understanding of court procedures and legal protocols. This position requires strong written and oral communication skills as well as a keen eye for detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in drafting estate planning and probate documents
• Help manage and organize estate and probate files
• Formation of business entities
• Conduct legal research relevant to estate planning and probate processes
• Coordinate with clients, court personnel and other legal professionals
• Prepare and file legal documents within the appropriate courts
• Update and maintain databases and tracking systems
• Ensure all deadlines are met in a timely manner
• Follow up with clients on necessary paperwork and signatures

Requirements

• Proven work experience as a paralegal, preferably 2+ years in the field of estate planning or probate
• Strong knowledge of probate court procedures and rules
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Proficient in legal research and document drafting
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines

*Paralegal certification or degree in legal studies is preferred*

Salary/Compensation

• $50,000.00 - $100,000.00 commensurate upon experience and qualifications
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Generous benefits and annual firm social events (Holiday Season Dinner, Tax Party and Periodic conferences & Client Receptions)
• Use of tenant lounge
• Employee Lounge with coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks

Additional Job Position Information

• Job Title: Paralegal
• Work Environment: This role is primarily office-based, with minimal travel required for court visits or client meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the supervising attorneys.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000.00 to $100,000.00, depending on experience
• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.