Experienced Trusts & Estates Paralegal Opportunity in Walnut Creek, CA

Join a prestigious boutique law firm in Walnut Creek, California, through Robert Half's exclusive placement services. We're seeking a skilled Trusts & Estates Paralegal for a contract-to-hire role supporting a lead partner in a high-volume, sophisticated practice. This position offers the perfect blend of independence, ownership, and teamwork in a supportive environment renowned for its excellent culture and long-term career stability.

Walnut Creek, located in the heart of Contra Costa County, provides an ideal setting for legal professionals, with easy access to the Bay Area's legal hubs while enjoying a vibrant, upscale community. As a Trusts & Estates Paralegal, you'll play a pivotal role in trust administration, litigation support, and estate planning, making a tangible impact on clients' legacies.

About the Role

This contract-to-hire opportunity is designed for paralegals who thrive in dynamic settings, handling complex trust matters with precision and autonomy. Primary focus on trust administration, with support in estates litigation and planning. Ideal candidates enjoy managing full lifecycle processes, from initial notices to final distributions, while collaborating with attorneys, beneficiaries, and external partners like financial institutions and CPAs. Upon conversion to permanent hire, enjoy competitive compensation, full benefits, and a nurturing firm culture that values work-life balance and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

Trust Administration (Primary Focus)

• Oversee trust administration from inception to completion, ensuring seamless execution.
• Prepare, serve, and track statutory trust notices per California Probate Code §16061.7.
• Coordinate comprehensive asset collection, retitling, and funding into trusts.
• Liaise effectively with beneficiaries, banks, financial institutions, and CPAs.
• Generate detailed trust accountings, asset schedules, and distribution documentation.
• Monitor and adhere to all compliance timelines and statutory deadlines.
• Draft professional correspondence and client-facing communications.

Trust & Estates Litigation Support

• Assist in pleadings, discovery responses, and routine motion practice.
• Manage large-scale document collection, review, and production processes.
• Compile exhibits, trial binders, and mediation preparation materials.
• Coordinate subpoenas, deposition scheduling, and court filings.
• Handle e-filing in California state courts and maintain meticulous litigation calendars.
• Organize and summarize financial records and trust documents for attorney analysis.

Estate Planning and Transactional Support

• Assemble comprehensive estate planning document packages.
• Support trust amendments, restatements, and revisions.
• Facilitate document execution, notarization, and delivery.
• Track and follow up on post-signing trust funding requirements.

Probate Support (Preferred)

Bonus experience in probate filings, notices, and accountings; willingness to assist as needed.

Required Qualifications

To excel in this Trusts & Estates Paralegal role, candidates should possess:

• Proven experience as a Trusts & Estates Paralegal, with strong trust administration background.
• In-depth knowledge of California Probate Code, especially §16061.7 notices.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage deadlines, calendars, and document workflows.
• Strong communication abilities for interacting with clients, beneficiaries, and professionals.
• Proficiency in e-filing systems, Microsoft Office, and legal document management software.
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative team.
• Attention to detail in accounting, asset tracking, and compliance matters.
• Paralegal certificate or equivalent experience preferred.

Prior exposure to probate is a plus but not mandatory.

Why Join Us?

Partner with Robert Half to secure this standout opportunity at a top-tier Walnut Creek law firm. Benefit from our expertise in legal placements, gaining access to roles that match your skills perfectly. The firm offers a bright, supportive culture, competitive pay (estimated $85,000-$95,000 upon hire), and full benefits including health insurance, 401(k), and professional development. Enjoy long-term stability in a contract-to-hire path, working on sophisticated matters that challenge and reward you. Walnut Creek's desirable location adds to the appeal, with proximity to outdoor recreation, dining, and San Francisco commutes.

Robert Half streamlines your career move with personalized support, interview prep, and market insights. Apply now to elevate your paralegal career in Trusts & Estates—positions like this fill quickly in the competitive Bay Area market.