Trust and Estates Paralegal

Our client, a well-established law firm in Burlingame, is seeking an experienced Trust & Estate Paralegal to support its sophisticated trust administration and probate practice serving high-net-worth individuals and families on a contract-to-hire basis.. This is a highly substantive, client-facing opportunity for a paralegal who enjoys managing complex trust and estate matters from inception through final distribution while working closely with attorneys, clients, trustees, beneficiaries, and outside advisors.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Support attorneys with all aspects of sophisticated trust administration, probate matters, and estate administration for high-net-worth individuals and families.
• Meet with clients, trustees, beneficiaries, and family members while serving as a primary point of contact throughout the administration process.
• Coordinate with accountants, financial advisors, fiduciaries, and other professional advisors to facilitate trust and estate matters.
• Draft correspondence, deeds, probate pleadings, trust administration documents, and other estate planning and probate-related documents.
• Prepare asset inventories, estate accountings, final allocation schedules, and distribution documentation.
• Assist with the preparation of federal estate tax returns (Form 706) and federal gift tax returns (Form 709).
• Review bank statements, financial records, and estate assets to support trust administration and probate proceedings.
• Maintain organized client files, notarize documents as needed, and ensure matters progress efficiently while delivering exceptional client service. 

Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of trust and estate paralegal experience within a law firm, with experience handling sophisticated trust administration and probate matters.
• Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program or equivalent required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience administering trusts following the death of a trustor, including preparing final allocation and distribution documents.
• Strong understanding of California probate procedures, Judicial Council forms, and trust administration workflows.
• Experience preparing or assisting with federal estate tax returns (Form 706) and gift tax returns (Form 709).
• Excellent organizational, analytical, proofreading, and communication skills with the ability to independently manage multiple matters and deadlines.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with iManage, Tabs3, Adobe Acrobat, FPS, NumberCruncher (or similar estate administration software), and Crowther is preferred.
• California Notary Public commission is a plus.
• Ability to meet billable hour expectations while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and client service.

Why This Opportunity?

• Contract-to-hire opportunity with a well-established Burlingame trusts and estates practice.
• Highly substantive role supporting sophisticated trust administration and probate matters for high-net-worth clients.
• Extensive client interaction and collaboration with attorneys, fiduciaries, accountants, and financial advisors.
• Conversion salary range of $120,000-$170,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to join a collaborative, client-focused team that values professionalism, discretion, and long-term growth.

Compensation

About Us

Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

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