Position Overview
A highly respected Santa Barbara law firm is seeking a detail-oriented Paralegal to join its Trust & Estate Department. This role supports a collaborative team of experienced attorneys, including certified specialists in Taxation, Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law. The firm operates on a client-centered model, emphasizing efficiency, strategic staffing, and high-quality legal support.
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is skilled at managing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.
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Key Responsibilities
• Coordinate, schedule, and prepare attorneys for client meetings
• Communicate with clients, financial institutions, and third parties to gather necessary information for trust administration and probate matters
• Manage and track court filings; liaise with Courts, Recorder’s Offices, and Assessor’s Offices
• Draft, edit, and proofread legal correspondence and documents
• Assist with preparation of estate and gift tax returns
• Maintain and organize client files (physical and electronic)
• Meet a billing goal of 4–6 hours per day
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Required Qualifications
• Paralegal Certificate required
• Strong knowledge of legal terminology and estate administration processes
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with strong follow-through
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• High level of professionalism, reliability, and accountability
• Strong computer proficiency and ability to learn new systems quickly
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Effective both independently and within a team
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Preferred Qualifications
• 2+ years of experience in estate planning, probate, or trust administration
• Familiarity with probate court procedures
• Experience with trust funding and real property transfers
• Basic knowledge of estate and gift tax concepts
• California Notary Public certification
• Experience with CARET or similar legal billing/management software
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Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and adaptable, with a genuine interest in trust and estate law. Candidates with less experience but strong initiative and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
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Benefits
• 401(k) with matching
• Health insurance + HSA options
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans
The Know Your Rights poster is available here:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf
The pay transparency policy is available here:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf
For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, AppleOne is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.
AppleOne participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf
We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
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