Legal Assistant (California probate and Estate Planning)

We are looking for a seasoned Probate Legal Assistant/Paralegal to support a California-based law firm focused on probate, trust administration, and estate planning.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of hands-on California probate experience, though we will consider candidates with 3+ years of strong probate experience. This is not a general legal assistant role; we need someone who knows the probate process inside and out, thinks ahead, and can work independently with minimal direction.

Responsibilities

• Handle and support California probate matters from start to finish, including petitions, notices, court filings, deadlines, and required forms.
• Prepare and review documents related to Probate, Conservatorships, Trust Administration, Wills, Trusts, Deeds, and Estate Plans.
• Understand probate procedures and anticipate next steps, deadlines, and filing requirements without having to be told.
• Conduct legal research and apply California law to assigned matters.
• Draft, revise, and proofread legal documents with meticulous attention to detail.
• Work confidently with redlines, comments, and attorney revisions.
• Communicate with clients and assist attorneys with case-related matters.
• Use Westlaw Form Builder or similar legal document-generation software.
• Develop knowledge in specialized areas such as Supplemental Needs Trusts and Conservatorships.
• Think critically, take initiative, and approach assignments with a lawyer’s mindset rather than simply following instructions.

Requirements

• 3+ years of hands-on California probate experience; 5+ years preferred.
• Strong understanding of the California probate process and court procedures.
• Experience with trust administration and estate planning.
• Strong legal drafting, research, and document-review skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage deadlines.
• Strong English communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, anticipate what needs to happen next, and incorporate feedback.

Education

• BS in Legal Management, AB in Paralegal Studies, Law, or Political Science
• Law graduates / practicing lawyers are welcome to apply

Schedule: Mon-Fri, shift is to be discussed by the client. But definitely 40 hours per week

Benefits: full remote, weekends off, health insurance, 6 paid US holidays, birthday leave*, paid time-off*