A trust and estates legal secretary specializes in providing administrative support specifically within the realm of trust and estate law. This area of law involves managing the distribution of a person's assets after death, creating and administering trusts, and handling matters related to wills, probate, and estate planning. Below are the specific responsibilities, skills, and qualifications relevant to a trust and estates legal secretary:

Responsibilities

• Document Preparation and Management:
• Drafting, formatting, and proofreading estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills.
• Preparing probate documents, including petitions, inventories, accountings, and notices.
• Managing the execution of documents, including arranging for witnesses and notarization.
• File Management:
• Organizing and maintaining client files, both electronic and paper, ensuring they are up-to-date and accessible.
• Managing confidential client information with discretion and adherence to privacy laws.
• Client Interaction:
• Communicating with clients to schedule appointments, gather information, and provide updates on case status.
• Assisting clients with completing necessary forms and understanding the estate planning and probate processes.
• Court Filings and Procedures:
• Filing documents with the probate court, either electronically or in person.
• Monitoring court deadlines and ensuring timely submission of all required filings.
• Administrative Support:
• Managing attorneys' calendars, including scheduling meetings, court dates, and deadlines.
• Coordinating travel arrangements and maintaining billing records.
• Handling general office tasks such as answering phones, managing correspondence, and ordering supplies.
• Research and Information Gathering:
• Conducting basic legal research relevant to estate planning and probate cases.
• Gathering information from clients and other sources to assist attorneys in case preparation.

Skills

• Attention to Detail:
• High level of precision in drafting and reviewing legal documents to avoid errors and ensure compliance with legal standards.
• Organizational Skills:
• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workloads, and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Maintaining well-organized and easily accessible client files.
• Communication Skills:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with clients, court personnel, and colleagues.
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts to clients in a clear and understandable manner.
• Technical Proficiency:
• Competence in using legal software, document management systems, and office applications like Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with e-filing systems and legal research databases.
• Confidentiality:
• Strict adherence to maintaining client confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Legal Knowledge:
• Understanding of legal terminology, court procedures, and document formats specific to trust and estate law.
• Knowledge of estate planning strategies, probate processes, and tax implications related to estates and trusts.

Education and Training

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Many trust and estates legal secretaries have postsecondary education such as a certificate or associate degree in legal studies or paralegal studies.
• Training: On-the-job training is common, but prior experience in a legal setting, particularly in trust and estate law, is highly beneficial.
• Certifications: Certification such as Certified Legal Secretary Specialist (CLSS) or Certified Legal Professional (CLP) can be advantageous. Additionally, specialized training in estate planning and probate law can enhance job performance and career prospects.

Specialized Knowledge

• Estate Planning: Familiarity with the principles and strategies involved in estate planning, including understanding how to draft and manage various estate planning documents.
• Probate Process: Knowledge of the probate process, including how to navigate probate court procedures and requirements.
• Tax Considerations: Understanding the tax implications of estate planning and the administration of trusts and estates.

A trust and estates legal secretary plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient management of legal matters related to estate planning and probate. Their specialized knowledge and skills help lawyers provide effective services to clients dealing with sensitive and often complex issues surrounding the distribution of assets and the administration of trusts.

Job Types: Contract, Temporary

Pay: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Legal Secretary: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person