About Our Firm

We are a premier boutique estate planning and probate law firm in Sugar Land, Texas, dedicated to providing our clients with peace of mind during life’s most significant transitions. Our firm is built on two unshakeable pillars: uncompromising excellence in our legal work and a concierge-level of service for our clients. We do not treat clients like case numbers; we treat them like family. We are seeking an experienced, proactive, and deeply empathetic paralegal to join our close-knit team and deliver a seamless, comforting experience from start to finish.

Position Overview

As our Lead Probate and Estate Planning Paralegal, you will own the probate process from initial client intake through final distribution and case closure. You will be the primary point of contact and a reassuring guide for grieving families navigating the probate system. Additionally, you will support our estate planning practice by preparing high-quality legal documents and ensuring our clients receive a premium, high-touch experience at every step.

Key Responsibilities

End-to-End Probate Management

• Case Ownership: Independently manage uncontested probate administrations from inception to close (including Independent/Dependent Administrations, Muniment of Title, and Small Estate Affidavits).
• Court Procedures: Prepare and file initial applications, coordinate hearing dates with Fort Bend County and surrounding courts, prepare required hearing documents, and draft orders.
• Post-Hearing Administration: Draft and publish Notices to Creditors, prepare and file the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims, and handle the formal closing of estates.
• Asset & Fiduciary Coordination: Assist executors and administrators with marshaling estate assets, opening estate bank accounts, tracking claims, and preparing formal or informal accountings for distribution.

Estate Planning Support

• Document Drafting: Draft foundational and sophisticated estate planning documents, including Wills, Revocable Living Trusts, a variety of Asset Protection Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Financial and Medical Powers of Attorney, Directives to Physicians, and Deeds.
• Execution & Witnessing: Coordinate and manage formal, in-office signing ceremonies, ensuring strict compliance with Texas execution requirements while maintaining a celebratory, high-end atmosphere for the client.

Concierge Client Relations

• White-Glove Communication: Serve as the primary, highly responsive liaison between the firm, clients, financial institutions, and court staff.
• Empathetic Guidance: Proactively update clients on case milestones, demystify complex legal steps, and provide a warm, compassionate environment for clients dealing with loss.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 3 to 5+ years of hands-on paralegal experience specializing specifically in Texas probate and estate planning (Fort Bend and Harris County court familiarity is highly preferred).
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of the Texas Estates Code, probate court e-filing systems, and local court rules.
• Software Proficiency: Experience with estate planning drafting software (e.g., WealthCounsel), practice management platforms (e.g., Clio, LEAP), Adobe Acrobat Professional, Word and Excel.
• Excellence-Driven: An eagle eye for detail; you take pride in flawless grammar, formatting, and legal accuracy.
• The "Concierge" Mindset: Exceptional emotional intelligence, active listening skills, and a natural service-oriented attitude. You anticipate client needs before they ask.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package (Healthcare benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off).
• A beautiful, professional, and supportive in-office environment in Sugar Land.
• The opportunity to do deeply meaningful work where your impact on families is felt every single day.

If this resonates with you, we look forward to hearing from you. Please send a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position along with your resume to our Office Manager, Regina Gabig, at regina@juliadeanlaw.com.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Probate: 3 years (Preferred)
• Estate Planning: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person