Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support to attorneys in the trusts and estates practice group, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and coordinating appointments with clients and stakeholders.
- Assist in drafting and proofreading legal documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and real estate contracts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
- Maintain organized client files, electronic records, and document management systems, tracking deadlines, filings, and case updates.
- Conduct legal research, gather relevant case law, statutes, and regulations, and prepare summaries and memoranda for attorney review.
- Assist in the preparation of estate planning documents, including trust agreements, estate tax returns, and asset transfer documentation.
- Coordinate communication and correspondence with clients, financial institutions, title companies, and government agencies regarding trust and estate matters.
- Support attorneys in client meetings, depositions, hearings, and court proceedings, preparing meeting materials, exhibits, and presentations as needed.
- Assist in billing and invoicing activities, tracking billable hours, expenses, and client accounts receivable.
- Stay updated with changes in trust and estate laws, regulations, and industry trends, providing updates and recommendations to attorneys and clients.
- Collaborate with other practice groups within the firm, such as real estate, tax, and litigation, to support integrated legal services for clients.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies, or related field is preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience as a legal assistant or practice assistant, with a focus on trusts, estates, or commercial real estate transactions.
- Strong knowledge of legal terminology, procedures, and documentation related to trusts, wills, probate, and real estate law.
- Proficiency in legal research tools, document management software, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced legal environment.