Trusts and Estates Paralegal

Job Summary

The Paralegal will assist attorney(s) by providing clerical and research support services, including document preparation and review, interviewing clients and beneficiaries, conducting research and investigations, electronic filing of legal documents, communicating with clients, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries, and fact checking with respect to estate planning and administration and limited trust administration. Reports to assigned attorney(s).

Duties And Responsibilities

• Meets with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects.
• Drafts legal documents for attorney review and signature, including the following:
• outgoing correspondence
• estate planning documents (e.g., Wills, Trust Agreements, POAs, deeds, etc.)
• estate administration documents (e.g., probate information forms, list of heirs, notices & affidavits of notice regarding small estate affidavits, correspondence to Commissioner of Accounts, etc.)
• Researches and analyzes statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provides oral and written confirmation of findings to attorneys.
• Maintains records and notes regarding billable hours spent on cases.
• Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, exhibits, and other items.
• Files deeds electronically.
• Obtains legal documents and information through various county websites in Virginia and in the District of Columbia.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Required Knowledge Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to speak and write accurately and clearly with concise detail.
• Understanding of legal language and principles, research methods relating to estate planning and estate and trust administration.
• Must be able to interact professionally with clients, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Must be exceptionally attentive to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and, at times, stressful environment, particularly around holidays, end of the year, beginning of the year, and tax season.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Ability to learn new software and programs relating to obtaining and filing legal documents electronically.
  
  

Education And Experience

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or related field required; Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies or related field preferred.
• 3 years’ experience preferred in Estates and Trusts.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Some hybrid/flexible working arrangements are possible.
  
  

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: $65,000-80,000/year

Supervisor: Partner

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance