Legal Assistant

Join one of the most innovative, forward-thinking law firms in the country. As a member of the  Trusts & Estates team at Saxton & Stump, you’ll be joining a culture of excellence and teamwork, mixed with a strong focus on investing in our team and the community. We understand that the new legal environment requires a different type of approach to all aspects of the business, and we’ve built that into the way we recruit and the way we structure our team. 

The Legal Assistant in the Trusts and Estates Department supports attorneys and paralegals with the preparation, filing, and management of estate planning and estate/trust administration documents. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and sensitivity to the confidential and often personal nature of client matters.

Key Responsibilities:

· Document Preparation & Filing

· Draft and format legal documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, and probate pleadings

· Prepare and file petitions, inventories, and accountings with the Register of Wills and Orphans’ Court (or equivalent)

· Assemble and finalize estate planning document packages for client execution

· Manage document revisions and version control under attorney supervision

Client Support & Communication

· Schedule client meetings and document signings, including coordinating witnesses and notaries

· Serve as a point of contact for clients regarding scheduling, document delivery, and general updates

· Handle sensitive family and financial information with discretion and professionalism

Administrative & Case Management

· Maintain electronic and physical client files in compliance with firm protocols

· Track and manage key deadlines for probate filings, tax filings, and distribution events

· Prepare engagement letters, client correspondence, and estate closing memos

· Assist in maintaining department templates and knowledge libraries

· Coordination with Third Parties

· Communicate with courts, financial institutions, tax preparers, and beneficiaries as directed

· Assist with the collection of asset and liability information for estate inventories

· Coordinate payment of expenses and disbursements from estate or trust accounts

Qualifications:

· Associate’s degree or paralegal certificate preferred; high school diploma with experience accepted

· 2-4 years of experience in a law firm or legal department, preferably in trusts and estates

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with legal practice management software a plus

· Excellent communication, grammar, and proofreading skills

· High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and client service orientation

· Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines with strong attention to detail

Compensation & Benefits:

· Competitive salary commensurate with experience

· Health, dental, vision, and retirement plan offerings

· Paid time off and holidays

· Professional development and training opportunities