Estates and Trusts Planning Paralegal
About the Job
We are seeking an Estate Planning Paralegal to support attorneys with the preparation and execution of estate planning documents. This role is focused on drafting documents and client communication. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working directly with clients and professional advisors. This role is an in-office role.
Firm Description
McKenna Russo is a team of experienced attorneys providing legal services in general litigation, business law, real estate law, and estate planning. Located in Annapolis, Maryland, we serve clients in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our client-focused legal solutions prioritize individual needs and results-based strategies. With over 80 years of combined experience, our team offers deep legal knowledge and a client-centered approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft, revise, proofread, and finalize estate planning documents under attorney supervision, including wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, advance health care directives and other documents.
- Collect, organize, and summarize family, fiduciary, and asset information.
- Prepare planning summaries, asset schedules, and beneficiary/titling information matrices for attorney review.
- Coordinate client meetings, including scheduling witnesses/notaries for estate planning signing meetings.
- Track execution status, organize originals and electronic closing sets, and ensure documents are properly stored in the firm’s document management system.
- Draft routine client correspondence and follow-up communications related to planning deliverables.
- Coordinate with clients and third party professionals to obtain information needed for planning decisions.
- Maintain calendars, task lists, and internal checklists to ensure timely completion of planning matters.
- Represent the firm with professionalism, integrity and courtesy when dealing with clients.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of client information.
- Coordinate recording of deeds
- Record billable time daily
Required Qualifications
- Paralegal certificate and/or equivalent relevant experience.
- [2+] years of experience supporting estate planning matters (document preparation and planning workflows).
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word (formatting, styles, redlining) and PDF tools.
- Excellent proofreading, organization, and attention to detail.
- Professional, client-service oriented communication skills and discretion with sensitive information.
- Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with estate planning drafting/document automation software (WealthCounsel preferred) and practice management systems (Clio preferred)
- Notary commission (or willingness to obtain).
- Experience coordinating signing ceremonies and execution formalities.
Work Arrangement / Location
- Location: Annapolis, Maryland
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work arrangement: On-site with potential for partial remote work
Compensation & Benefits
- Compensation: $55,000 – $68,500 annually
- Benefits: medical/dental/vision, 401(k), life insurance, PTO, paid holidays
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter to Jobs@McKennaRusso.com.
Subject line: “Estate Planning Paralegal – [Name].” Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
Equal Employment Opportunity
McKenna Russo is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law.