Estate & Trust Paralegal

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Estate Planning & Trusts Paralegal to join a busy, sophisticated estate planning and elder law practice. This opportunity is ideal for a highly skilled paralegal with extensive experience drafting complex estate planning documents, supporting advanced trust strategies, and working with high-net-worth individuals and families.

The firm's clients typically have estates ranging from $5 million to $45 million, requiring customized planning strategies focused on wealth preservation, asset protection, tax efficiency, and multigenerational wealth transfer. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical drafting skills, a thorough understanding of irrevocable trusts and trust funding, and the ability to independently manage complex estate planning matters while collaborating closely with attorneys and clients.

Key Responsibilities

Draft, revise, and prepare sophisticated estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and related instruments. Assist attorneys with advanced estate planning strategies involving wealth preservation, estate and gift tax considerations, asset protection, and generational wealth transfers.

Prepare and coordinate trust funding documentation, including deeds, assignments, beneficiary designations, and asset transfer documents. Support the creation and implementation of irrevocable trust structures, including ILITs, SLATs, GRATs, and other advanced planning vehicles, as applicable. Review client financial information, asset ownership, beneficiary designations, and existing estate planning documents to identify planning and funding needs.

Coordinate with financial advisors, accountants, trustees, and other professionals to ensure proper implementation of estate plans. Manage estate planning matters from initial client intake through document preparation, execution, and trust funding. Assist with elder law and asset protection planning, including preparation of supporting documentation.

Maintain accurate client records, track deadlines, and ensure estate planning documents are properly executed and organized. Communicate directly with clients regarding documentation, information gathering, and the estate planning process.

Qualifications

5+ years of experience as an estate planning or trusts and estates paralegal, preferably within a sophisticated private-client practice. Significant hands-on experience drafting complex estate planning documents, particularly irrevocable trusts. Strong understanding of trust funding procedures, asset titling, beneficiary designations, and related documentation.

Experience supporting estate planning for high-net-worth individuals and families. Familiarity with advanced estate planning techniques and trust structures. Excellent drafting, proofreading, organizational, and client communication skills. Ability to independently manage multiple complex matters with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

Experience with estate planning document automation software and legal practice management systems preferred. Knowledge of elder law and asset protection planning is a plus. Paralegal certification or relevant degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Requirements

Ideal Candidate We are looking for a technically strong paralegal who understands the complexities of sophisticated estate planning and can contribute beyond basic document preparation. The successful candidate will have substantial experience with irrevocable trusts, advanced estate planning instruments, and trust funding.

They will understand how the various components of an estate plan work together and be able to anticipate potential documentation and implementation issues. This individual should be comfortable working directly with attorneys, high-net-worth clients, financial advisors, and other professionals while maintaining exceptional accuracy, discretion, and professionalism.

Benefits

Why This Opportunity? This is an opportunity to join an established estate planning and elder law practice handling complex, intellectually engaging matters for high-net-worth clients. The position offers meaningful responsibility, direct attorney collaboration, and the opportunity to play an important role in delivering sophisticated estate planning solutions.

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, qualifications, and technical expertise, with bonus opportunities. Potential for a hybrid schedule with primary in-office work in Columbia, MD. Unlimited paid time off (UPTO) and strong work-life balance. 401(k) with employer matching. Life insurance, employee discounts, professional development opportunities, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

A positive, team-oriented culture built on education, compassion, and excellence.