Paralegal – Estate Planning & Probate – Estate Planning & Probate

Job Description

Paralegal – Estate Planning & Probate | Law Offices of Rick Todd

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at the Law Offices of Rick Todd, located in Columbia, MD, with flexibility for hybrid work. The firm is a legal practice focused on delivering attentive, client-centered representation, handling a variety of legal matters with personalized guidance and clear communication. This Paralegal position is an integral part of the Estate Planning and Probate team, supporting attorneys in drafting essential estate planning documents and managing probate and trust administration matters. The role is vital in ensuring effective case preparation, efficient legal processes, and providing exceptional client service to individuals and families navigating complex estate matters. The environment values professionalism, reliability, and collaborative problem-solving to achieve positive outcomes for clients.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full-Time / Mid-Career
• Type: Full-Time
• Location: Hybrid, Columbia, MD
• Pay: $65000–$85000 yearly
• Team: Supports attorneys in the Estate Planning and Probate team.
• Mission: To provide essential paralegal support in estate planning, probate, and trust administration, ensuring accurate document preparation, efficient processes, and client satisfaction.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Office, case management software (e.g., Clio, MyCase), court e-filing systems

What You’ll Actually Do
• Estate Document Drafting: Draft comprehensive wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and all related estate planning documents.
• Probate & Court Filings: Prepare probate pleadings, detailed inventories, accountings, and other necessary court filings, ensuring compliance with all applicable rules and procedures.
• Client & Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinate actively with clients, financial advisors, accountants, and beneficiaries to gather information and facilitate smooth processes, including preparing necessary correspondence and communicating with courts and other parties.
• Estate Administration Management: Manage and oversee estate and trust administration processes, including facilitating asset transfers and distributions, and scheduling and tracking deadlines for all matters.
• Legal Research & Case Management: Conduct thorough legal research, review documents for accuracy and completeness, and maintain accurate, up-to-date client files and case management systems.
• Client Communication & Support: Provide responsive communication and dedicated support to clients throughout the entire estate planning and administration process, ensuring clear communication.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Mid-career professional with a paralegal certificate or a Bachelor’s degree preferred. Requires strong knowledge of various estate planning documents and comprehensive probate procedures.
• Experience: A minimum of 2 years of dedicated paralegal experience specifically within estate planning, probate, or trusts & estates.
• Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, relevant case management software (such as Clio or MyCase), and court e-filing systems. Demonstrates excellent organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, consistent follow-through, and a strong client-service orientation. Possesses the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and meet critical deadlines.
• Bonus: Experience assisting with estate tax returns and fiduciary income tax filings is a significant advantage.