Our client is seeking an experienced Estate Administration & Probate Paralegal who thrives on bringing organization and momentum to complex, deadline-driven matters. This position is focused on estate administration, guiding estates through the probate process, working closely with the Clerk of Court, financial institutions, and CPAs, and ensuring that filings, inventories, and distributions are completed accurately and on time.
The successful candidate will work directly with the firm's attorneys while collaborating with a legal operations team that supports workflow across multiple practice areas. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with hands-on probate experience who is looking for increased responsibility, ownership of a caseload, and long-term growth with a well-established, growing law firm.
Responsibilities
Probate & Estate Administration
- Prepare and file probate documents, including Notices to Creditors, inventories, accountings, and proposed distributions.
- File and track probate matters with the Clerk of Court while monitoring all deadlines.
- Coordinate with financial institutions, title companies, CPAs, and other third parties to identify assets, resolve creditor claims, and complete estate distributions.
- Gather information and documentation from clients and personal representatives to move estate matters efficiently through the probate process.
- Assist clients in completing required forms and understanding each stage of the administration process.
Client & Case Management
- Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, personal representatives, and beneficiaries throughout estate administration.
- Track deadlines, court dates, and case milestones to ensure matters remain on schedule.
- Maintain organized, accurate case files within the firm's case management system.
- Provide regular updates to clients regarding the status of their matters.
- Record billable and non-billable time accurately and promptly.
Legal Support
- Conduct legal research involving North Carolina probate and estate administration matters.
- Prepare correspondence, legal documents, and memoranda for attorney review.
- Collaborate closely with attorneys and other legal staff to ensure efficient case progression.
- Participate in case review meetings and assist with daily prioritization of tasks and deadlines.
Qualifications
The Ideal Candidate
- 3–5 years of paralegal experience in estate administration and/or probate.
- Hands-on experience preparing probate filings and working with the North Carolina Clerk of Court.
- Paralegal certificate or degree from an accredited program.
- Working knowledge of North Carolina probate and estate administration procedures.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work compassionately with clients during difficult life events.
- Ability to manage multiple active files independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys.
- Experience using legal case management software; probate or estate administration software experience is a plus.
What Success Looks Like
- Probate filings, inventories, and accountings are completed accurately and submitted on time.
- Estate matters progress efficiently with deadlines consistently met.
- Clients receive proactive communication and outstanding service throughout the administration process.
- Billable hour expectations are consistently achieved.
- Case files remain organized, complete, and up to date.
Why This Opportunity:
Our client is a well-established and growing North Carolina law firm with a strong reputation in estate planning, estate administration, probate, and related legal services. The firm offers a collaborative, team-oriented environment where employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work, continue developing professionally, and provide exceptional service to clients during some of life's most important transitions.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
