Senior Trusts & Estates Paralegal

Location: Del Mar, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time (40 hours/week; 9:00 AM start)
Salary Range: $70,000-$100,000 DOE
Benefits: Comprehensive package including vacation, medical, dental, and 401(k)

About the Firm

Our Del Mar-based law firm focuses on sophisticated trust and estate, probate, business planning, entity formation, and trust administration matters. Due to growth and increasing demand, we are seeking a seasoned Trusts & Estates Paralegal to join our collaborative and high-performing team. This is an addition to staff, working alongside a prior hire in the same practice area who has excelled in the role.

Position Overview

The Senior Trusts & Estates Paralegal will support attorneys in a wide range of matters including trust administration, probate filings, estate planning documentation, real property transfers, and related tax filings. The ideal candidate has deep experience, thrives in a team-centered environment, and is confident handling cases from intake through completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage trust administration tasks, including notices, asset collection, appraisals, distributions, and accounting coordination
• Prepare and file probate petitions, supplemental documents, and court-required forms
• Draft estate planning documents and support attorneys during client meetings
• Prepare real property documents, including deeds and related filings
• E-file documents with probate courts and administrative agencies
• Assist with Federal Estate Tax Returns (Form 706) and related IRS filings
• Organize, track, and maintain case files, deadlines, and client communications
• Collaborate closely with attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of Trusts & Estates paralegal experience (probate, estate planning, trust administration)
• ABA-approved paralegal certificate or qualifying attestation
• Strong experience with e-filing, real property documentation, and court filings
• Thorough understanding of probate procedures and trust administration workflows
• Experience preparing or assisting with Form 706 and other tax-related filings
• Excellent communication skills and comfort interacting directly with clients
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage deadlines
• Team-oriented mindset-someone who collaborates well and supports a cohesive office environment