Probate and Estates & Trusts Paralegal

Donahue Fitzgerald LLP provides its clients a full range of civil legal services across a broad spectrum of areas and expertise. Our clients range from individuals, sole proprietorships, closely held businesses to multinational Fortune 500 corporations, and include some of the country's most prominent technology companies and retailers.We are seeking an experienced Paralegal for our Estates and Trusts practice group in our Oakland office. This positions job duties include trust administrations, court supervised administrations, and drafting estate plans. The ideal candidate will also perform Probate proceedings from commencement through final distribution. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast paced and high volume environment, be highly organized and detail oriented, and be able to work independently.Job DutiesUnder the direct supervision of attorney, this position will:Assist in the drafting of estate planning and trust administration documents;Prepare asset lists, analyze bank and business records, identify trust and non-trust assets, and identify title and character of assets;Handle California probate court petitions and proceedings such as Heggstad petitions and proceedings;Meet and communicate with clients and client advisors;Assist clients with trust funding and preparing documents to facilitate same, recordation of deeds with accompanying transfer documents;Maintain client files and prepare materials for client meetings;Prepare and assemble federal estate tax returns; andCalendar critical deadlines and meetingsAdditional job duties as assignedJOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESBachelors Degree and/or paralegal certificate, required5+ years of experience in probate and trust administration, desiredTax preparation software experience is preferredMust have knowledge of the Probate Court process including court filings, including for example, petitions for instructions, Probate Code Sections 850 petitions, petitions to approve accountings, and objections and replies to petitions.Familiarity with Probate Code notice requirements and ability to manage calendar notice deadlinesManage trust and probate administration case matter and deadlinesDetermine beneficiaries and persons entitled to noticeKnowledge of court-supervised procedures to transfer property without probate (including spousal property petitions, Heggstad petitions, and affidavits regarding real property of small value)Ability to work independently and in a team environmentAbility to handle multiple assignments efficiently and accuratelyAdvanced proficiency with Office 365, Excel, Word and PowerPointLicensed notary a plusMust be able to work in office 5 days at week for the first 90 days and then a hybrid work schedule of 3 days in the office.Qualified candidates should submit their resume with a cover letter and salary requirement.The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $127,000 - The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held.Donahue Fitzgerald is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Created: 2025-05-07