Estate Planning Paralegal

Job Purpose:

To assist attorneys in administrative and clerical work related to estate planning, ensuring the smooth flow of client estate plans and providing high-quality support to clients. This role involves drafting estate planning documents, maintaining client communication, and performing research projects as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Client Communication:

• Maintain lines of communication with clients, answering simple questions that do not require an attorney.
• Direct clients to the correct individuals to answer questions and fulfill requests.
• Provide timely updates to clients on the status of their estate plans.

Document Preparation:

• Draft estate planning documents based on input from attorneys, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
• Ensure all documents are prepared accurately and in compliance with company standards and legal requirements.
• Track the flow of clients’ estate plans, ensuring timely completion and execution.

Administrative Support:

• Assist attorneys with administrative and clerical tasks, such as photocopying, scanning, and filing documents.
• Perform research projects as assigned by attorneys, providing accurate and thorough information.
• Maintain electronic and physical filing systems for easy retrieval of documents.

Team Collaboration:

• Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and other team members to provide comprehensive support to clients.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to the development of department strategies.
• Support the estate planning team in achieving departmental goals and objectives.

Competencies:

Integrity

• Consistently demonstrates ethical behavior.
• Addresses minor ethical issues independently.
• Ensures confidentiality and privacy in more complex situations.

Accountability

• Manages own workload and meets deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Takes responsibility for the outcomes of projects.
• Proactively addresses issues and takes corrective actions.

Customer Focused

• Addresses customer needs independently.
• Handles more complex customer inquiries and complaints.
• Consistently seeks ways to improve customer satisfaction.

Time Management / Organization

• Plans and organizes own work efficiently.
• Balances multiple tasks and projects effectively.
• Uses advanced organizational tools to manage time.

Communication

• Communicates effectively in a variety of settings.
• Tailors messages to the audience and situation.
• Facilitates productive discussions and meetings.

Teamwork

• Contributes to team goals and objectives.
• Builds positive relationships with team members.
• Resolves minor conflicts within the team.

Self-Motivated

• Takes initiative to improve processes and outcomes.
• Manages own workload and sets personal goals.
• Pursues continuous learning and development.

Required Qualifications:

• 2+ years postsecondary education.
• 3-4 years of experience in estate planning.
• Paralegal course completion (if degree was not in paralegal studies).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with Wealth Counsel drafting software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional certifications or coursework related to estate planning or paralegal studies.

Performance Metrics:

• Document Accuracy: Quality and accuracy of estate planning documents.
• Client Satisfaction: Measured by client feedback and satisfaction survey results.
• Timeliness: Meeting deadlines and timely completion of tasks.
• Administrative Efficiency: Effectiveness in managing administrative tasks and supporting the team.
• Team Collaboration: Effectiveness in working with team members and other departments.