Probate and Estate Planning Paralegal

About Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.

Hickman Lowder is a well-established law firm renowned for providing compassionate legal services to families, individuals with special needs, and the elderly. We are deeply committed to fostering strong community ties and advocating for those who need it most. Our firm values integrity, empathy, and innovation, and we are seeking a proactive, curious, and friendly paralegal to support the attorneys who work in our Sheffield Village office.

Position Overview
Hickman Lowder is seeking a paralegal to work in our probate and estate planning areas of practice. This position will communicate with clients, courts, and attorneys. The ideal candidate has above-average attention to detail with excellent written and verbal communication skills. While we prefer a candidate with experience, we are willing to train and support a paralegal who has a positive attitude and is interested in learning new areas of the law.

The successful candidate will work from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on Mondays through Fridays in our Sheffield Village, Ohio, location. Paralegals are permitted to intermittently work from home or flex their schedule based on the needs of clients and managing attorneys.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting the attorneys in handling probate matters and completing probate forms for estate administration, guardianships, minor and adult ward settlements, and administration of special needs trusts, wrongful death trusts, and minor trusts
• Recording deeds and filing documents in person and electronically
• Communicating with third parties such as tax preparers, referral sources, and probate courts
• Learning the local rules and forms for multiple Ohio probate courts
• Managing attorney calendars and preparing for hearings
• Drafting outgoing correspondence and managing incoming correspondence
• Preparing estate planning documents including wills, powers of attorneys, advanced directives, trusts, and deeds under the supervision of the attorney
• Attending client signing meetings and serving as a witness or notary
• Prioritizing workflow
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Prior paralegal experience in a law firm or adegree in paralegal studies or a related field
• Strong computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Foxit
• Client file management using both electronic and paper files
• Experience with document assembly programs, case management software, or similar applications
• Ability to accurately record billable and non-billable time
• Successful BCI background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Highly flexible, adaptable, and able to manage multiple files with shifting priorities
• Ability to handle novel and repetitive tasks
• Independent and self-motivated, with strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to work within a team as well as individually
• Above-average attention to detail
• Exceptional interpersonal skills; able to engage effectively with colleagues, clients, and community stakeholders
• Compassionate, with experience or a genuine interest in working with individuals with special needs and elderly clients
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading abilities
• Creative thinker
• Curious to learn and apply local rules and statutes

Why join Hickman Lowder?

• Be part of a values-driven team dedicated to making a positive difference in people’s lives
• Enjoy a workplace that allows you to make an impactful contribution
• Grow professionally within a well-respected and community-oriented law firm
• Competitive compensation based on experience

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $33.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person