Paralegal at Haynesboone in California

Paralegal
Location: Orange County
This non-exempt position provides comprehensive support to attorneys in the Estate Planning and Probate Practice Group. The Estate Planning Paralegal assists with the preparation and administration of estate planning documents, trust and estate administration matters, probate proceedings, asset transfers, and client communications. The position requires strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple matters while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and client service standards.
Essential Duties
Assist attorneys in preparing sophisticated estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, family limited partnerships, and other wealth transfer documents.
Prepare trust funding documents, beneficiary designations, deeds, assignments, and other asset transfer documentation.
Coordinate execution ceremonies and oversee the proper completion, notarization, and recording of estate planning documents.
Assist with probate and estate administration matters, including preparing court filings, inventories, accountings, notices, and related documentation.
Communicate directly with clients, financial institutions, court personnel, accountants, trustees, executors, and other advisors regarding estate planning and administration matters.
Gather, analyze, and organize financial and asset information for estate planning, trust administration, and probate matters.
Maintain estate and trust administration calendars and monitor deadlines.
Assist with preparation and filing of federal and state probate-related documents and tax-related information as directed by attorneys.
Review, organize, and maintain client files and estate planning records.
Perform legal and factual research utilizing available legal research resources.
Draft correspondence, memoranda, summaries, and other documents for attorney review.
Accurately record billable and non-billable time in accordance with Firm policies.
Work closely with attorneys, paralegals, legal administrative assistants, and other Firm personnel to support client matters.
Other Duties
Attend continuing legal education programs and professional development opportunities related to estate planning and probate law.
Assist attorneys with client presentations, articles, seminars, and educational materials.
Participate in process improvement initiatives and special projects as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Reporting Relationship
Reports directly to the Office Administrator and assigned attorneys.
Subordinate Staff: None.
Qualifications
Knowledge/Experience
Minimum of 5 years of estate planning, probate, trust administration, or closely related paralegal experience preferred.
Experience preparing estate planning documents and supporting probate and trust administration matters.
Familiarity with probate court procedures and estate administration processes.
Knowledge of estate and trust terminology, fiduciary responsibilities, and wealth transfer concepts.
Experience maintaining confidential and sensitive client information.
Experience in a law firm environment required.
Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
Ability to interact professionally with attorneys, clients, court personnel, and outside advisors.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and document management systems.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision and collaboratively within a team environment.
Ability to translate complex concepts into clear, client-friendly communications.
Commitment to providing exceptional client service.
Education
Paralegal certification from an ABA-approved program or bachelor's degree in a related field required.
Continuing legal education in estate planning, probate, or trust administration preferred.
Physical Demands
Must be able to move around the office up to 15% of the time to make copies, fax, file, etc. Remains stationary at least 85% of the time. This position operates computers and other office productivity machines (e.g., fax machine, copier, printer, etc.) on a regular basis. Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 lbs. This position requires constant communication and exchange of information with Firm attorneys, clients, and staff. This position must be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time.
Working Conditions
Hybrid Office Environment. Overtime may be required.
Salary Range:
The expected salary range for this position is $110,000.00-$125,000.00. Please note that the final offer amount may vary based on experience and skillset of the selected candidate.
At Haynes and Boone, our people are the driving force behind our success. Because we value the role every individual plays in how we deliver exceptional legal services, we hire people who will contribute to our professional reputation, enhance client relationships and share in our success.
Haynes and Boone’s Orange County office serves the needs of California’s premier technology industries and capitalizes on the West Coast’s global access. We have vibrant practices in intellectual property (IP), in-bound Asian work, venture-funded corporate matters, and big-ticket litigation such as patent, securities, insurance coverage, and class action labor and employment matters. Our thriving economic community is home to an array of businesses, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging technology ventures. Our expanded presence here heightens Haynes and Boone’s coast-to-coast capabilities while giving clients the benefits of our growing geographic base. Most of our California-based lawyers have earned engineering or technical degrees in addition to law degrees, enhancing their understanding of the intricacies of IP. Our team members have been recognized in publications such as TheBest Lawyers in America directory (Woodward/White, Inc.),Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) Patent 1000 (Globe White Page Ltd), and Managing IP Magazine (Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC). We are committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects our communities, and we seek highly motivated lawyers and staff who value our culture of respect and teamwork.