Trusts & Estates Paralegal

Well-established Paoli law firm seeking an experienced Trusts & Estates Paralegal to support estate planning, trust administration, and probate matters. Ideal candidate has minimum 3 years hands‑on experience using Lackner estate planning software and strong client-service skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, assemble, and proof estate planning documents (wills, revocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, health care directives, pour-overs, funding instructions).
• Draft and format estate and trust accountings, schedules, inventories, and correspondence.
• Manage trust and estate administration tasks: probate filings, creditor notices, beneficiary communications, asset transfers, tax and court deadlines.
• Use Lackner software to draft plan documents, generate funding and transfer documents, and maintain client file templates.
• Coordinate with attorneys, clients, financial advisors, banks, and outside counsel to gather documentation and resolve issues.
• Maintain and update client matter files, calendaring, and docketing deadlines using firm practice management tools.
• Prepare and file court pleadings, petitions, and required estate/tax forms; arrange for e‑filing and service as needed.
• Conduct legal research on procedural and substantive trusts/estates issues; summarize findings for attorneys.
• Assist with client intake, conflict checks, billing entries, and timekeeping.
• Train junior staff on routine processes and use of Lackner where applicable.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years paralegal experience in trusts & estates or estate planning with demonstrable use of Lackner estate planning software for drafting and document assembly.
• Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania probate and trust administration procedures and deadlines.
• Excellent legal drafting, proofreading, and organizational skills; high attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; comfortable learning firm practice management and e‑filing platforms.
• Exceptional client communication and interpersonal skills; professional demeanor.
• Ability to manage multiple matters and prioritize under deadlines.
• Paralegal certificate or degree preferred; membership in local paralegal association a plus.

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with federal and state estate/gift tax filing procedures and basic tax concepts.
• Experience with elder law, Medicaid planning, or sophisticated estate plans (irrevocable trusts, tax planning trusts).