Paralegal | Trusts and Estates/Probate

Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is seeking a full-time, experienced Trusts and Estates Paralegal to join our Clearwater office. This is an excellent opportunity to bring your probate expertise to a firm that values precision, professionalism, and exceptional client service. We are looking for a seasoned paralegal with a minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience in a law firm setting, with a strong focus on estate planning and probate administration. 

Why Join Johnson Pope?

At Johnson Pope, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and professional environment where your skills are valued, and your contributions make a difference. As one of Florida’s leading regional law firms, we offer our team members the opportunity to work alongside some of the most respected attorneys in the state, in a firm that supports a strong team environment and actively builds community within the organization.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Manage the full probate and trust administration process, including drafting and filing pleadings, inventories, fiduciary accountings, and estate tax returns (Forms 706, 709, etc.).
• Assist with the preparation, organization, and maintenance of legal documents related to wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and other estate planning instruments.
• Coordinate asset collection, valuation, and distribution in estate and trust matters while maintaining accurate financial records and meeting court-mandated deadlines.
• Conduct legal research related to probate, guardianship, estate law, tax regulations, and filing requirements.
• Facilitate communication with clients, beneficiaries, accountants, and financial institutions; prepare correspondence and ensure timely court and beneficiary submissions.
• Schedule and coordinate court hearings, client meetings, document executions, and other case-related appointments.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to quickly learn other programs. Experience in iManage and Aderant is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Attention to detail with strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Client service-oriented with the ability to effectively communicate with clients and team members.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize tasks, and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude

Educational/Job Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a law firm setting is preferred, with a focus on Trusts and Estates Planning.
• Experience with Probate Administration is a plus.
• Availability for overtime as needed

Office Location: Clearwater, FL

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the Firm.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, ancestry, pregnancy, familial status, actual or perceived status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or any other legally protected status entitled to protection under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws, including applicable laws in Florida. We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).