Trusts & Estates Paralegal
2 - 5 years
California, United States
Full-time
Remote
1 month ago
About the role
About Us
Laughlin Legal, PC is a boutique family and trusts and estates law firm based in Foster City, California, serving clients across Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and the East Bay.
Our Trusts & Estates Practice Area manages both transactional and litigated matters with a focus on estate planning, estate administration, and litigation. Our team is known for delivering strategic, high-quality, and client-focused representation in matters requiring discretion, precision, and sound judgment.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly organized, proactive mid-level Trusts & Estates Paralegal to support attorneys with estate planning, trust administration, probate, contested trusts and estates matters, conservatorships, and trusts and estates litigation.
This role is suited for someone who is comfortable working closely with both attorneys and clients in a collaborative environment throughout the entire case process from initial client contact through final resolution of both transactional and litigation matters, has strong client-management experience and a working knowledge of California probate procedures and Rules of Court, and is familiar with Local Rules for Bay Area Counties. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, responsive, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment involving complex and sensitive matters.
Key Responsibilities
Qualifications
Compensation & Benefits
Equal Opportunity
Laughlin Legal, PC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds.
Laughlin Legal, PC is a boutique family and trusts and estates law firm based in Foster City, California, serving clients across Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and the East Bay.
Our Trusts & Estates Practice Area manages both transactional and litigated matters with a focus on estate planning, estate administration, and litigation. Our team is known for delivering strategic, high-quality, and client-focused representation in matters requiring discretion, precision, and sound judgment.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly organized, proactive mid-level Trusts & Estates Paralegal to support attorneys with estate planning, trust administration, probate, contested trusts and estates matters, conservatorships, and trusts and estates litigation.
This role is suited for someone who is comfortable working closely with both attorneys and clients in a collaborative environment throughout the entire case process from initial client contact through final resolution of both transactional and litigation matters, has strong client-management experience and a working knowledge of California probate procedures and Rules of Court, and is familiar with Local Rules for Bay Area Counties. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, responsive, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment involving complex and sensitive matters.
Key Responsibilities
- Case Management: Support attorneys in managing trusts and estates matters, including estate planning, trust administration, probate, contested trusts and estates matters, conservatorships and litigation.
- Drafting: Draft initial estate planning documents under attorney guidance, including wills, revocable trusts for non-taxable estates, wills, powers of attorney, assignments of interests. Prepare and revise petitions, motions, discovery, and other legal documents
- Research: Conduct legal research and summarize findings clearly and efficiently
- Filings: Prepare and file court documents in compliance with the California Probate Code, California Rules of Court, Local Rules and general probate procedures
- Calendar & Deadlines: Track deadlines, filings, and key milestones across multiple matters
- Communication: Coordinate with clients, fiduciaries, opposing counsel, and court personnel. Communicate proactively with attorneys regarding case status, client needs, and court notes.
- Organization: Maintain accurate, well-organized case files and document systems
- Trial Support: Assist with hearing and trial preparation, including exhibits and witness materials
Qualifications
- Education: Paralegal certificate (ABA-approved preferred) or equivalent experience
- Experience: 3+ years of trusts and estates experience, litigation and/or probate experience preferred
- Substantive Knowledge: Strong understanding of California probate procedures and trust administration
- Tools: Experience with legal research tools and case management systems (Clio preferred)
- Location: Based in the Bay Area and available for in-person needs as required
- Communication: Clear, professional written and verbal communication
- Execution: Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
- Ownership: High level of accountability and ability to work independently
- Professionalism: Discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive matters
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience (range: $75,000 to $115,000 DOE)
- Performance-based bonuses
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- Home utility and cell phone allowances
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
Equal Opportunity
Laughlin Legal, PC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds.
Skills
Law PracticeLegal