Trust and Estate Paralegal

Perkins Coie LLP is seeking an experienced Trust & Estate Paralegal to join our Private Client Services group. In this position, the Paralegal will work with a team of attorneys and be responsible for administering all aspects of estate and trust administration, including drafting probate court documents, estate inventories, and accountings, and drafting correspondence to beneficiaries.

In addition, as a member of the Perkins Coie professional support staff team, this position is responsible for promoting and maintaining the goodwill and reputation of the firm. In this capacity, the Paralegal is expected to maintain the highest level of professional conduct and confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

These are essential functions and primary job duties that incumbents should be able to perform unassisted or after some reasonable training.

• Handle California trust and estate administrations from start to finish with attorney supervision, including, but not limited to assisting in the analysis, calculation, or preparation of asset and gift summaries using Excel, zCalc, and/or NumberCruncher software.
• Prepare documents related to the transfer of assets, including deeds, notices of withdrawal rights, and assignments, as well as documents to comply with reporting requirements for change in ownership of California real property. 
• Attend and participate in client meetings. Communicate with CPAs, advisors, and appraisers.
• Prepare California probate court petitions, including Heggstad petitions, § 850 petitions, and petitions to modify irrevocable trusts.
• Preparation of gift and estate tax returns, form closely held entities, draft entity agreements, and assist with state filings and other ongoing maintenance of entities. 
• Enter and release time routinely and in compliance with firm policy.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

• Ability to express oneself effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and concurrent deadlines. Communicate the status of projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently upon receiving assignments.
• A strong work ethic, be a self-starter, and operate with a keen initiative to meet billable requirements.
• Possess a client-focused approach to work and be able to handle multiple assignments efficiently.

SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with California probate and trust administration matters.
• Experience preparing California gift and estate tax returns.
• Ability to analyze and organize data for presentation to clients.
• Work well under pressure and have the flexibility to assist teams in meeting client demands on accelerated schedules.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of recent experience in California probate and trust administration in a law firm or equivalent.  
• Recent experience with tax preparation software is preferred.

At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals. 

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here. 

 This position may be filled in the following location(s). The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity. 

San Francisco Bay Area compensation range: $83,330 to $166,670 annually 

Washington state compensation range: $68,870 to $137,740 annually 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance for and the California Fair Chance Act.

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