Overview
Paralegal Estate & Trust Jobs in Columbia, MD at Confidential
Estate Planning Paralegal
Location: Columbia, MD
Compensation: $65,000 – $85,000 (based on experience)
Job Summary
McDonald Law, located in Columbia, Maryland, recently acquired the prominent estate planning firm Frank, Frank & Scherr. This transition brings together an established legacy estate planning practice with the resources and long-term vision of McDonald Law—and creates an exciting opportunity for an experienced Estate Planning Paralegal to join the team.
Paralegal supports attorneys in all aspects of estate planning, trust administration, probate, and related elder law matters. This role requires strong organizational skills, excellent client communication abilities, and a solid foundation in estate planning and fiduciary procedures. The paralegal works closely with attorneys, clients, fiduciaries, and external advisors to ensure estate and trust matters are handled efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with applicable laws.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Assist with estate planning administration, including gathering and organizing client information, asset inventories, and financial documentation.
- Draft, review, and prepare fiduciary accountings, trust and estate correspondence, and required legal documents.
- Prepare and file court documents related to probate and trust administration.
- Support attorneys in drafting estate planning instruments, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives.
- Coordinate execution of client documents and assist with maintaining and updating client planning schedules.
- Serve as a liaison between the firm, clients, beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and other professional advisors (e.g., accountants).
- Provide timely case status updates, gather information from clients, and assist with client meetings.
- Conduct legal research related to estate planning, probate, and trust administration matters.
- Stay current with relevant state and federal laws affecting estate and trust matters.
- Maintain organized electronic and physical case files, track deadlines, and assist with billing as needed.
- Monitor case progress and follow up to ensure timely completion of tasks and filings.
Education and Certification
- Paralegal certificate from an accredited program preferred.
- Associate’s degree or higher in paralegal studies or a related field required.
Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in estate planning, trust administration, or probate work (law firm, trust department, or similar setting).
- Strong drafting, legal research, and file management skills.
- Experience with common legal and case management software systems.
- Familiarity with probate processes, trust administration, and trusts & estates filings.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and multitasking abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Maryland estate tax and probate procedures.
- Notary Public certification or willingness to obtain.
- Experience working in a boutique estate planning or elder law firm.
- Medicare planning experience highly desired.
Benefits
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance – premiums 100% paid by employer
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with match
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Sick Leave
Pay: $65,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Estate Planning, Probate or Trust Admin: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Paralegal Certificate (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Columbia, MD (Required)
Work Location: In person
Title: Paralegal Estate & Trust
Company: Confidential
Location: Columbia, MD
Category:
