Probate/ Trust Litigation and Estate Planning Paralegal

Probate/Trust Litigation and Estate Planning Paralegal

Hoffman Forde, A.P.C. is a full-service law firm with offices located in the Banker’s Hill neighborhood of San Diego, across from the beautiful Balboa Park and in La Jolla, sitting above the Cove. As a fast-paced law firm with a large clientele, we are looking for a Probate/Trust Litigation and Estate Planning Paralegal with 3+ years’ experience to join our Team in La Jolla.

Key Responsibilities:

• Client intake and case management: Meeting with clients to gather information about the deceased’s assets and liabilities, including reviewing wills, trusts, and financial documents.
• Document preparation: Drafting probate petitions, inventories of assets, creditor claim notices, and other necessary court filings.
• Court filings: Submitting probate documents to the court and monitoring case progress.
• Asset identification and valuation: Contacting financial institutions, insurance companies, and other parties to gather information about the deceased’s assets and determine their value.
• Beneficiary communication: Notifying beneficiaries about the estate and providing updates on the probate process.
• Creditor claims review: Reviewing and processing creditor claims against the estate.
• Asset distribution: Coordinating the distribution of assets to beneficiaries once the probate process is complete.
• Legal research: Conducting research on probate laws and procedures to ensure compliance.
• File management: Maintaining accurate and organized case files, including electronic records.

Qualifications:

• Paralegal certificate or equivalent experience, with a minimum of 4+ years of experience working in probate, estate planning, and/or trust administration.
• Knowledge of probate law: understanding state probate statutes and procedures.
• Experience in preparing and filing documents in both probate court and trust administration matters.
• Proven experience in gathering information necessary for attorney to draft estate planning documents.
• Knowledge of obtaining real property documents and preparing deeds transferring a real property into the trust.
• Experience in electronically filing deeds transferring real property assets with the county recorder’s office.
• Experience with trust administration, preparing inventories and accounting.
• Attention to detail: Accuracy in reviewing legal documents and financial information is critical.
• Strong organizational skills: Ability to manage complex cases with multiple deadlines and details and maintain comprehensive client files and case notes.
• Excellent communication skills: Clear and concise communication with clients, beneficiaries, and other legal professionals.
• Experience with legal case management software.  (Clio Manage experience a plus).
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a deadline-driven environment.
• Confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive and private client information.
• Ability to assist in client meetings, preparing for consultations, and explaining legal terminology to clients in simple terms.
• Fluent in Spanish (preferred, but not required)
• Public Notary Certification (preferred, but not required)

Benefits and Compensation:

Competitive compensation based on experience with a range of $35.00 – $45.00/hour, plus overtime and discretionary bonuses.

Benefits include Vacation Time, Sick Time, Paid Holidays, affordable Health insurance with a substantial choice of plans to choose from including Dental & Vision coverage, 401(k) with employer contribution, and parking. 

To apply, please submit your resume, and list of 3 references to dretes@hoffmanforde.com. Please include salary requirements with your application.

Hoffman Forde, A.P.C., is an equal opportunity employer.