Senior Probate & Conservatorship Paralegal

About this job

• Independently manage California probate and conservatorship matters from initial filings through final accounting, distribution, and discharge, with appropriate attorney oversight.
• Prepare and file petitions for probate, appointment of conservators, and related court proceedings.
• Prepare inventories and appraisals, petitions for final distribution, reports, and other required probate and conservatorship documents.
• Independently prepare, review, and reconcile probate, trust, and conservatorship accountings, including supporting schedules, financial records, receipts, disbursements, and asset transactions.
• Track and manage statutory deadlines, court hearings, notice requirements, and filing obligations.
• Coordinate with fiduciaries, beneficiaries, financial institutions, accountants, appraisers, and other professionals.
• Identify missing documentation, discrepancies, and procedural issues and take initiative to resolve them.
• Maintain organized records and proactively advance matters toward completion.

• Draft petitions, objections, complaints, motions, discovery requests and responses, and other litigation documents.
• Assist with motions to compel, oppositions, and other contested probate and trust proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and prepare supporting memoranda and case summaries.
• Review, analyze, and organize financial records, discovery responses, and document productions.
• Coordinate subpoenas, deposition materials, expert witness records, and trial preparation.
• Prepare exhibits, hearing binders, chronologies, and supporting documentation.
• Cite-check and proofread briefs and motions for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with California court rules and applicable citation standards.
• Coordinate service of process, electronic filings, and communications with court personnel.

• Maintain accurate and organized electronic case files using Clio.
• Communicate professionally and proactively with clients, attorneys, opposing counsel, court personnel, and third-party professionals.
• Maintain timely client communications through the firm's Client Portal.
• Manage multiple active matters, prioritize assignments, and independently monitor deadlines.
• Maintain accurate daily timekeeping records and assist attorneys with related administrative processes.
• Prepare, proofread, format, and quality-check legal documents, including redlines, PDFs, and exhibits.
• Exercise discretion and maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive client matters.
• Anticipate attorney and client needs, communicate progress, and recommend practical solutions.

• Substantial hands-on experience in California probate and conservatorship administration, including independently managing matters from commencement through completion.
• Demonstrated proficiency in preparing probate and conservatorship court accountings, including financial reconciliations and supporting schedules.
• Thorough working knowledge of California probate procedures, court requirements, and applicable deadlines.
• Excellent legal drafting, proofreading, research, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple cases, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and legal case management software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a professional and compassionate approach to client service.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, recognize potential issues, and proactively communicate with supervising attorneys.
• Ability to take ownership of assignments while remaining collaborative, accountable, and responsive.
• Ability to work full-time, in person, at our Torrance office.
• Qualifications satisfying California's statutory requirements for paralegals.

• Five or more years of relevant California probate, conservatorship, or trust and estate experience.
• Significant experience preparing complex fiduciary accountings.
• Experience supporting contested probate, conservatorship, and trust litigation.
• Proficiency with Clio legal practice management software.
• Experience with California court electronic filing procedures.
• Experience organizing financial records and preparing supporting documents for forensic accountants and other experts.
• Strong Excel skills, including financial schedules and reconciliations.
• Familiarity with ALWD legal citation standards.

• Take ownership: You are confident managing cases from start to finish and do not require constant direction.
• Think ahead: You anticipate deadlines, identify missing information, and recognize what needs to happen next.
• Value precision: You understand that accuracy is essential, particularly when preparing court accountings, pleadings, and financial documentation.
• Communicate effectively: You provide timely updates, ask thoughtful questions, and maintain excellent relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Enjoy problem-solving: You approach complicated matters with sound judgment, curiosity, and initiative.
• Embrace teamwork: You work independently but value collaboration and understand that outstanding client service is a team effort.
• Care about your work: You recognize that probate, conservatorship, and trust matters often involve clients navigating difficult personal and family circumstances.

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance: Available after 60 days of employment.
• Firm-Paid Life Insurance: Provided to eligible employees.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: . click apply for full job details