About the Role
We are a well-established estate planning and trust law firm seeking an experienced Trust Administration and Probate Paralegal to join our team. The ideal candidate will bring at least three years of solid experience handling California trust and probate matters, and will be comfortable managing multiple cases with minimal supervision — while working closely under the direction of one or more attorneys.
This position requires a detail-oriented professional who takes ownership of the process, communicates clearly with clients, and maintains a high standard of organization and accuracy. You’ll be a key part of our client service team, helping families navigate complex estate and trust administration with compassion and professionalism.
Responsibilities
- Support attorneys in all aspects of trust and probate administration from initiation through final distribution.
- Prepare and file probate petitions, notices, accountings, and related court documents under attorney supervision.
- Manage trust administration timelines, including notifications to beneficiaries and government agencies as required under California Probate Code.
- Assist in gathering, reviewing, and organizing financial and investment account information, real property details, and other asset documentation.
- Draft correspondence, inventories, property deeds, receipts, and other estate-related forms and summaries.
- Coordinate with financial institutions, CPAs, and investment advisors to facilitate asset valuation, transfers, and distributions.
- Assist in the preparation the file for estate and fiduciary tax returns (Form 706, Form 1041) and related schedules, working in conjunction with accountants and tax professionals.
- Maintain detailed electronic and paper files, ensuring all tasks, deadlines, and filings are tracked and completed accurately.
- Serve as the main client contact for updates, scheduling, and document requests—always with professionalism and empathy.
- Willingness to cross train other employees and assist in overall process of the Trust Administration and Probate
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of experience handling trust administration and probate matters in California.
- Comprehensive understanding of California Probate Code and local court procedures and ability to ask for help, when unfamiliar.
- Familiarity with trust funding, complex trust splits, asset marshaling, beneficiary notifications, and distribution processes.
- Experience assisting with documentation needed for estate tax returns and fiduciary accountings.
- Strong ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a client-focused approach.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and trust/probate management software (e.g., CLIO,).
Ideal Candidate
- Organized, proactive, and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently yet collaboratively.
- Experienced in managing a full caseload while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
- Professional and compassionate when working directly with clients during sensitive matters.
- Reliable, discreet, and dedicated to providing exceptional client service.
Why Join Us
We offer a supportive, professional environment that values growth, balance, and teamwork. You’ll work alongside attorneys who appreciate initiative and precision, while enjoying meaningful client interaction and autonomy in your day-to-day work.
We have a great team of people - we work hard, we like each other, and we love our clients. Our goal is to serve them, and one another as we work as a team. If you would like to work in a culture where you are cared for, and you care about our clients, we are interested in talking to you!
We appreciate not only your resume, but a cover letter including what you are passionate about outside of work. We are excited to meet you!
Pay: $70,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Trust Administration and Probate: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person