Job Description

Job Title: Paralegal (Trusts and Estates)

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Location: Houston, TX

Salary: $85-115k/year

Hybrid – 1 day WFH after 90 day ramp up

Billable Hours Requirement: 1500/year

Position Overview

The Paralegal supports attorneys within the firm’s Wealth and Estate Services practice by providing hands-on assistance across estate planning, estate and trust administration, and related tax matters. This role involves managing discrete client matters, coordinating documentation and filings, and applying technical knowledge to support attorneys throughout the lifecycle of probate and wealth transfer engagements.

Key Functions

• Provide day-to-day support to attorneys handling estate planning, estate and trust administration, and wealth transfer matters.
• Prepare, assemble, and submit probate-related filings and transfer tax documentation, including estate and gift tax returns.
• Maintain and monitor probate and gift tax calendars, ensuring statutory and court deadlines are tracked and met.
• Coordinate estate administration tasks such as drafting probate pleadings, preparing creditor and beneficiary notices, compiling inventories, securing waivers, and organizing exhibits for filing.
• Draft, edit, and review a variety of legal documents, including testamentary instruments, trusts, agreements, correspondence, and powers of attorney.
• Prepare and update equity-related documentation, including stock certificates.
• Assist attorneys with hearing and trial preparation in probate-related proceedings.
• Conduct legal and tax research and stay informed on developments in probate, estate, and transfer tax law, sharing relevant updates with the team.
• Communicate with clients, courts, and third parties to obtain information, resolve issues, and facilitate timely filings.
• Act as a reference point for internal procedures, practice group standards, and firm policies.
• Support attorneys in the execution of tax planning strategies tailored to client objectives.
• Manage multiple assignments concurrently while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Safeguard confidential and sensitive client information at all times.
• Liaise with court personnel and clients regarding filings, scheduling, and procedural requirements.
• Record testamentary documents and court orders; prepare and file property transfer instruments such as deeds, conveyances, assignments, and homestead or property tax documentation; and communicate with mineral and property operators as needed.
• Maintain custody and organization of original paper documents, including wills, deeds, letters testamentary, and other executed instruments.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Working knowledge of probate court systems, procedures, and filing requirements.
• Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency with legal research platforms and tax preparation or valuation software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including direct interaction with clients.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in managing shifting priorities.
• Initiative and reliability in completing assignments with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to work extended hours when business needs require.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal research tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis.
• Ability to work onsite as needed to manage original documents and paper-based tax filings.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to perform the role.
• At least two to five years of paralegal experience, preferably supporting estate planning or private wealth practices.
• Completion of an ABA-approved paralegal certification program is preferred.

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