Legal Assistant - wills and estates

Trust & Estate Legal Assistant

A top-rated boutique Estate Planning and Estate Administration law firm located in Washington, DC is seeking a skilled and talented Legal Assistant to support a founding partner. There are 7 attorneys, 2 paralegals and 3 legal assistants that service over 1,000 high net worth individuals in the metropolitan D.C. area with detail and professionalism, and each day brings a new adventure and learning opportunity.

The job is in-person for the first six months of employment, then employees in good standing may apply for a hybrid work arrangement.

Background check is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

The Trust & Estate Legal Assistant will assist partners, associate attorneys, and paralegals on their client matters. In addition to being organized and able to multitask, this role requires a person with broad problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt and perform a wide variety of responsibilities.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Handle new client intake for partners, including screening potential new clients, drafting engagement letters, performing conflict checks, and assisting clients in the completion and submission of new client questionnaires
• Welcome clients and other visitors to our office and remind clients of upcoming meetings
• Prepare and assemble large mailings with multiple enclosure
• Assemble basic estate planning documents in preparation for client signing meetings and serve as witness or notary (they assist with the notary application)
• Receive, open, log, scan, and distribute incoming mail
• Scan, save and appropriately store executed client documents
• Create client portals and assist clients in accessing their client portal
• Provide administrative support to attorneys by scheduling client meetings and handling travel arrangements
• Prepare binders that organize clients’ signed estate planning documents and beneficiary designations
• Keep organized electronic files of clients’ Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, purchase agreements, promissory notes, and other legal documents
• Inventory and maintain clients’ original estate planning documents
• Obtain and record tax ID numbers for estates, trusts and corporate entities
• Form limited liability companies in various states

QUALIFICATIONS

• Legal experience a strong plus but will train someone with great computer skills and a bachelor’s degree.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to perform comfortably in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented work environment
• Ability to be flexible, handle pressure and adapt to changing work priorities
• Prior experience in legal administrative support is preferred, not required
• Communicate clearly and concisely in a professional manner
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision to meet deadlines and productivity standards
• In-depth understanding of the entire Microsoft Office Suite

COMPENSATION: $65,000 to $80,000 starting salary, DOE

BENEFITS:

o Two weeks of paid time off to start, increasing with years in service

o Insurance -- medical, dental and life insurance

o 401(k) match program after three months

o Parental leave

o Subsidized parking in the building