Trusts & Estates Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Trusts & Estates Legal Assistant – Fort Lauderdale, FL

Ascension Global Staffing & Executive Search

Ascension Global Staffing & Executive Search is seeking an experienced Trusts & Estates Legal Assistant to support a reputable law firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice in their Fort Lauderdale office. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in estate planning, probate, and trust administration, along with a proven ability to provide high-level administrative and legal support in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions:

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to attorneys handling estate planning matters and trust/estate administration.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of procedures governing estate and trust administration.
• File pleadings in State court using various e-filing systems in accordance with court-specific requirements.
• Collaborate with multiple firm departments on case openings, conflicts checks, billing, training, and records management.
• Draft and proofread correspondence, pleadings, legal documents, and estate planning materials with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Track attorney, client, and firm expenses; process reimbursements and payments using applicable software.
• Assist with billing processes, including drafting narratives, tracking billable tasks, editing invoices, calendaring billing deadlines, and distributing invoices electronically and by mail.
• Schedule State court hearings per court requirements and calculate deadlines to ensure compliance.
• Coordinate client appointments and manage attorney calendars.
• Maintain organized electronic and paper case files.
• Handle incoming and outgoing mail, phone calls, and emails; screen and route communications appropriately.
• Follow through on tasks and ensure timely completion in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 5 + years of law firm experience as a Trusts & Estates Legal Assistant and/or estate planning/paralegal professional.
• Florida probate experience is a strong plus.
• Experience supporting multiple attorneys simultaneously required.
• Strong understanding of State court filing procedures; Federal experience a plus but not required.

Skills & Technology:

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple assignments from various attorneys.
• High attention to detail, initiative, and reliable follow-through.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Experience with law firm billing and case management software.
• Preferred experience with: iManage, SmartTime, Aderant, Wealth Counsel, EstateWorks, and HotDocs.
• Strong document drafting, review, and proofreading skills.
• Excellent client-service mindset with the ability to communicate professionally with clients and stakeholders.

Physical & Work Requirements:

• Ability to type, use a keyboard, and handle written documentation regularly.
• Must be able to communicate verbally and visually as required for the role.
• Onsite attendance is required. This is not a remote or hybrid position.
• Additional duties may be assigned based on workflow needs