Job Description
Job Description
The Senior Paralegal is responsible for independently managing business transactions along with complex trust administration and probate matters from inception to completion, under the supervision of attorneys. This role requires advanced knowledge of California probate and trust law, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work directly with high-net-worth clients, beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and financial institutions.
Compensation:
$75,000 - $95,000 DOE
Responsibilities:
Trust Administration
- Prepare statutory notices, trust accountings, asset inventories, and transfer documentation
- Coordinate asset appraisals, retitling, and valuations
- Communicate with trustees, beneficiaries, financial advisors, and accountants to ensure smooth administration.
- Track statutory deadlines, including Probate Code §16061.7 compliance
Probate Administration
- Draft and file probate pleadings, petitions, notices, orders, and related court documents
- Manage publication requirements and creditor claim processes
- Coordinate with probate examiners, court clerks, and process servers to ensure accurate and timely filings
- Prepare inventories, accountings, and proposed orders of distribution
- Maintain hearing schedules and compliance calendars
Business Transactions
- Assist with entity formation for corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, including filing formation documents, obtaining EINs, and drafting organizational minutes
- Prepare and maintain corporate governance documents, such as bylaws, operating agreements, and shareholder agreements
- Manage business compliance requirements, including annual reports, state filings, and meeting minutes
- Support in drafting and reviewing contracts, purchase agreements, and assignment documents
- Coordinate business interest transfers in connection with estate and trust administration
Client & Case Management
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the matter
- Schedule and coordinate meetings, signings, and closings
- Keep clients informed with regular updates while maintaining strict confidentiality
- Manage and organize case and corporate records for easy retrieval.
Qualifications:
- 7+ years of paralegal experience, with significant focus on trust/probate law and at least 2+ years in business transactional support
- ABA-approved paralegal certificate or equivalent; California Advanced Specialist Certification in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate preferred
- In-depth knowledge of probate and trust administration processes and relevant corporate law
- Proficiency in drafting legal documents, corporate records, and transactional contracts
- Skilled in legal calendaring, e-filing, and entity management systems
- Exceptional communication skills and client service orientation
- Notary license is a PLUS!
Preferred Attributes
- Anticipates needs, identifies potential issues, and develops solutions with minimal attorney oversight
- Manages multiple high-value matters with precision, meeting all deadlines without sacrificing accuracy
- Produces clear, well-organized, and legally sound documents, correspondence, and client communications
- Builds trust through empathy, professionalism, and responsiveness, especially during sensitive family or business situations
- Understands corporate structures, governance, and transactions, and can integrate business considerations into estate matters
- Maintains accuracy in all legal filings, corporate records, and trust accountings
- Clearly explains complex legal concepts to clients, beneficiaries, and stakeholders
- Comfortable with legal case management software, entity management platforms, e-filing systems, and Microsoft Office Suite
- Responds effectively to shifting priorities, unexpected developments, and urgent client needs
About Company
What We Offer
As a growing practice, we foster a collaborative, professional, and supportive work environment where team members are encouraged to expand their skills, take initiative, and build lasting client relationships. Our culture values professional development, work-life balance, and mutual respect, making us a trusted workplace for talented legal professionals.