Private Wealth Paralegal - LA

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is looking for a Private Wealth Paralegal to support the Private Wealth Department based in the Los Angeles office. Willkie is an elite international law firm of approximately 1,300 lawyers located in 16 offices in six countries.

The Private Wealth Paralegal will provide support to our attorneys and Senior Paralegals primarily servicing high-wealth, high-profile clients on multi-million dollar trusts & estates and probate matters. The ideal candidate has two years of relevant experience, a paralegal certificate, strong drafting and organizational skills, and the judgment to manage sensitive client matters with discretion, professionalism and empathy.

At Willkie, we believe great people are the key to our success. We are offering a highly competitive compensation package with exceptional benefits. If you are looking to work in a friendly, collaborative environment that affords unique opportunities to expand your professional development, this role is for you.

• Prepare documents in connection with probate of wills and/or commencing administration proceedings, including drafting pleadings such as inventories, petitions for distribution, intermediate reports, petitions to close estates, and waivers of account
• Support completion of Judicial Council forms for trust and probate matters and prepare fiduciary accountings for estates and trusts.
• Coordinate allocation and funding of assets to beneficiaries and sub‑trusts; assemble and transmit transfer documents for securities, real property, and motor vehicles.
• Prepare documentation for asset sales, including deeds, deeds of trust, promissory notes, and settlement statements.
• Problem‑solve title and administration issues affecting decedent assets; liaise with financial institutions, appraisers, and accountants to gather valuations and financial data.
• Assist with preparing and filing petitions, accountings, and ongoing reports for guardianship and conservatorship proceedings.
• Draft wills, trusts, and related estate‑planning instruments and ancillary documentation.
• Support gift and estate tax workflows with tax professionals, including assembling documentation and valuation materials for returns.
• Maintain confidentiality and client-service standards; draft professional correspondence; ensure accuracy and consistency across all work product.
• Perform additional tasks as needed.

• Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program or compliance with California Business & Professions Code paralegal requirements required.
• 2–3 years of trusts and estates/private client experience with estate planning, trust administration, and California probate procedures required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and document management systems (i.e. iManage).
• Knowledge of probate and trust administration process and rules and use of judicial council forms preferred.
• Strong drafting, proofreading, and cite-checking skills; exceptional attention to detail; ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• Comfort with financial statements and an aptitude for organizing complex information and maintaining meticulous records.
• Professional communication and client-service skills when working with high-net-worth clients and their advisors.
• Ability to work in the Los Angeles office 4 days week.

• Ability to sit at a desk most of the working day and walk short distances
• Needs manual dexterity, speed and accuracy in handling office equipment
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately in an atmosphere of frequent interruption
• Ability to work in close proximity to other individuals
• Ability to carry light objects, e.g., files, small objects and supplies a short distance.
• Must be able to lift, carry and move objects up to 25 lbs.

• Non-Exempt 

The salary range for this role is $75,000 - $85,000 and represents the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent upon a number of factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications and location. Willkie offers a comprehensive suite of benefit programs to all eligible employees. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Career section of the Firm’s website.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher is an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon actual or perceived: race (including hair texture, protective hairstyles and other traits associated with race), color, age, religious creed, citizenship, citizenship status and alienage, nationality, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity or creed, disability, genetic information or medical condition, reproductive health decision making, pregnancy or maternity, paternity, marital or civil partnership status, caregiver status, gender (including gender identity, expression, nonconformity, gender reassignment or status as a transgender individual), sex, sexual orientation or preference, veteran or military status, height, weight, any other characteristic protected by law or any combination thereof. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let the hiring manager know.

Pursuant to the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO) and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicant with arrest and conviction records.