Overview
Trusts & Estate Secretary/Practice Assistant II (Del Mar) Jobs in San Diego, CA at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
Catalyst Law is a woman-owned B-Corp Certified law firm specializing in trusts and estates, non-profit and business law, and taxation. Catalyst strives to build and maintain a team-oriented and client-focused legal practice. As a key member of our team, paralegals provide essential support for our attorneys and clients alike. Our small and collaborative team finds joy in working with each other to meet and exceed client expectations.
We seek an exceptional paralegal, with three or more years of experience working in a trusts and estates practice, to join our growing firm. In this role, you will support our fixed-fee estate planning practice by preparing draft legal documents and correspondence, coordinating client trust funding, serving as a notary, mentoring team members, and communicating with clients. Significant opportunity to contribute to the trusts & estate administration and protective proceedings side of the practice, working alongside two other experienced paralegals.
If you are interested in advancing your paralegal career, we look forward to hearing from you!
Compensation:
$72,000 – $96,000 yearly
Responsibilities:
Estate Planning and Trust Funding
Prepare drafts of trust agreements, wills, and other ancillary planning documents.
Serve as a notary public and coordinate signing conferences.
Record asset transfer documents, including deeds, as necessary.
Arrange for beneficiary changes or changes of ownership of insurance policies.
Provide guidance to clients with respect to information gathering, document collection, process requirements, and other matter management duties.
Prepare client correspondence regarding any stage in the estate planning process.
Estate and Trust Administration and Protective Proceedings:
Assist attorneys in the preparation of legal documents related to estate administration (probate), guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions.
Conduct legal research to support attorneys in case preparation.
Assist with the preparation of legal arguments, motions, and correspondence.
Draft and review pleadings, petitions, orders, and other court documents.
Electronically file or coordinate with other team members to e-file court documents, including petitions, notices, orders, and pleadings, via OJD e-File.
Maintain and organize case files, including documents, data, and other records.
Manage client matters to prepare all necessary documents to meet all deadlines.
Communicate with clients, courts, and other parties involved in cases to gather necessary information and provide updates.
Coordinate and schedule court hearings, client meetings, and other appointments.
Other: Perform other administrative tasks from time to time (approximately 20%) to support the legal team, including but not limited to:
Answer phones and greet clients from time to time.
Monitor and respond to firm e-mail, internal chat, and other correspondence.
Schedule events and appointments.
Copy, scan, and fax documents.
Assist team members, attorneys, and non-attorneys alike, with other projects.
Perform legal and general research;
Organize documents, data, and records.
Review, analyze, organize, index, and maintain client files.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications: Qualified candidates will have at least two or more years of experience delivering legal services. Bachelor’s degree or associate degree with a paralegal certification preferred. Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed, including:
Exhibit good judgment and make well-reasoned decisions.
Demonstrate excellent organizational skills.
Efficient management of multiple requests in a timely manner.Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
Exceptional client service skills with a strong desire to provide a positive and warm experience for all clients.
Technologically savvy and willing to troubleshoot software issues, yet know when to source IT assistance when necessary.
Skilled in MSOffice; Adobe Acrobat Pro (e.g. redlining, redaction, and electronic document management), Google Workspaces, practice management software, as well as other common software and cloud-based tools.
Experience with general office practices and procedures, including electronic document management systems.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to work independently and focus on revenue-generating projects.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to proofread documents and other materials to ensure accuracy.
Professional interpersonal communication skills and demeanor are required to effectively interact with a diverse group of co-workers, clients, and third-party vendors, including the ability to observe and maintain client confidentiality.
Ability to organize work, establish priorities, delegate, and maintain good interpersonal relations and communications with lawyers and support staff.
About Company
Catalyst Law LLC is a woman-owned and certified B Corporation, specializing in serving purpose-driven clients. Our practice areas include trusts & estates, taxation, non-profits, philanthropy, and business law. The Firm is collaborative. We focus on client service and value colleagues willing to tackle complex problems. Catalyst is dedicated to finding new and innovative ways to deliver legal solutions and build a team-based organizational culture. Integral elements of our culture, include personal, professional, and financial growth.
We offer a competitive base salary with bonus potential, benefits including health, dental & vision insurance, a 401(k) group retirement plan with up to a 3% employer match, as well as generous paid holidays and paid time off, along with flexibility and understanding when life happens (we’ve all been there).
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Title: Trusts & Estate Secretary/Practice Assistant II (Del Mar)
Company: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
Location: San Diego, CA
