Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, a global Am Law 100 firm, is seeking a new Trust & Estates Paralegal in any of the following offices: San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Century City, Orange County, Del Mar and San Diego. There is only one opening.
Sheppard Mullin is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Trust & Estates Paralegal to join our Tax/Employee Benefits/Trust & Estates practice group. This pivotal role involves supporting our attorneys on a wide range of tasks related to estate planning and trust administration. The position requires engagement with clients, trustees, and family members to draft and refine essential legal documents, including trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Responsibilities also include handling post-mortem real estate filings, trustee notifications, and estate tax returns, while ensuring client files are meticulously well organized and accessible.
The ideal candidate will possess exceptional technical, organizational, and administrative skills to manage diverse responsibilities in our fast-paced environment. Professionalism and teamwork are crucial, as collaboration with attorneys, colleagues, clients, and the court is integral to the role. Prioritization, flexibility, and adaptability are essential to thrive in this rewarding position.
Detail-oriented individuals who enjoy team collaboration are encouraged to apply.
Essential Job Functions
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Communicates regularly with the team. Double-checks work product before presenting to attorneys for review and again before sending to clients, their allied advisors (i.e. accountants, financial planners, etc.), or when filing with the court.?
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Handles multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks efficiently in a fast-paced setting.
- Organizes and maintains internal client files to ensure accessibility and accuracy.
- Strong knowledge of the Probate Code and familiarity with local court rules and procedures is essential.
- Excellent computer skills are needed; strong Excel skills are required.
- Billing requirement of 1600 hours per year.
- Must be available and able to work during core business hours.
- Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.
Required Qualifications
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A minimum of 4-7 years of experience in trust and estates law.
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Strong understanding of estate planning, probate and trust administration.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
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High level of professionalism and ability to work collaboratively with a team.
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Working knowledge of Federal, and U.S. District Courts rules and procedures.
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Ability to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, as needed.
- Possess excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.
Education and/or Experience
A high school diploma or equivalent is required, plus substantial and relevant work experience. A bachelor's degree or some college is preferred.???
License and Certification
An ABA-approved paralegal certification or equivalent is required.
Computer/Software Knowledge
Must have proficiency in Windows 10, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Zoom, and Teams. Experience with NetDocs or other document management system is preferred, as is experience with BNA Forms. Must be able to quickly learn new skills and systems.
Work Environment
Working indoors with limited exposure to hazards (only those that customarily come up with working in a high-rise building).
Indoor office work environment in a cubical or workstation.
The current Firm policy is hybrid–working in the office a minimum of 3 days per week and working from home the rest of the week (subject to change).
Overtime may be required as the job duties demand.
Travel Requirements
Minimal domestic travel may be required to other SMRH offices and trials, up to 10%.
California: The pay range for this position is $51.00 to $76.00 per hour.
We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
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