Estate Planning ParalegalEllis, Li & McKinstry PLLC
We’re looking for a proactive, experienced paralegal who takes initiative, manages responsibilities independently, and holds themselves to a high standard of excellence. The ideal candidate will thrive in a busy, deadline-driven environment and will bring both strong legal knowledge and an eye for improving systems and workflows. You will work closely with attorneys and clients on estate planning, probate, and trust administration matters.
Prepare and finalize estate planning documents (including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and related documents)
Draft and record real estate deeds
Coordinate with clients and financial institutions to collect information
Prepare probate pleadings and complete court filings
Fulfill trust administration duties including managing payments and preparing accountings
Manage deadlines for multiple estate planning, probate, and trust administration matters
Take primary administrative responsibility over matters and use available resources
Review files and identify outstanding tasks
Facilitate communication with clients, financial advisors, CPAs, and other professionals
Organize and maintain electronic files and document management systems
Contribute to project management by anticipating next steps and proactively moving matters forward
A self-starter and assertive person who takes ownership of responsibilities and solves problems independently
A leader who can manage a high volume of work
A process-minded thinker who looks for ways to streamline work and optimize results
A professional who cares deeply about client service and maintaining a reputation for excellence
- Experience as a paralegal•3+ years
- Strong understanding of Washington probate rules and estate planning best practices (or willing to learn)
- Assertive and detail-oriented
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Professional demeanor with strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Comfortable working directly with clients, with professionalism and discretion
- Highly skilled in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, Sharepoint, etc.), Adobe Acrobat, and legal document management systems
- Proven ability to manage a significant caseload with minimal supervision
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
- Experience as a paralegal in estate planning, probate, and trust administration areas
- Familiarity with drafting software
- Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate
Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC is a long-standing Seattle law firm with deep roots in the community and a commitment to providing excellent legal services with integrity and care. We offer the sophistication and breadth of experience expected from a larger firm, while maintaining the close relationships and responsiveness that define a smaller practice. Our Trusts & Estates department is a growing and vital part of the firm, and we’re looking for a full-time Paralegal who is ready to take ownership of their work and contribute meaningfully to a high-volume practice.
Competitive annual salary
Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k), flexible spending account, and ORCA commuting card
Collaborative and mission-driven work environment
Opportunities for growth in a respected and expanding department
