Senior Probate & Estate Planning Paralegal- 3708621

Job Title: Senior Probate & Estate Planning Paralegal

Location: Washington, DC 20006

Salary: $85-110K with bonus and benefits

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite - Parking available in the building, with employee-paid parking available through pre-tax arrangements.

Hours: 35 hours per week, including a one-hour paid lunch

Term: Fulltime

Job Description: A well-established law firm in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Senior Probate & Estate Planning Paralegal to join its growing practice. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned legal professional with extensive, hands-on experience independently managing probate and estate planning matters across Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Candidates must have at least five years of strictly probate and estate planning experience, with demonstrated experience in ALL THREE jurisdictions: DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Experience in all three jurisdictions is a firm requirement. The successful candidate will support two partners whose practices focus on estate planning and probate matters. Working alongside an established legal support team, this individual will take ownership of assigned matters, manage deadlines, and ensure the accurate and efficient administration of probate and estate-related cases. The firm offers a collaborative work environment, hands-on training, and the autonomy to manage responsibilities without unnecessary micromanagement. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, detail-oriented, and confident managing matters independently.

Key Responsibilities: Independently manage probate and estate administration matters from inception through completion. Handle primary and ancillary probate proceedings in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Prepare and file probate-related pleadings, petitions, inventories, fiduciary accountings, and other required court documents. Assist with trust administration and related estate matters. Prepare federal and state fiduciary income tax returns, including Form 1041.Prepare and coordinate the preparation and recording of deeds. Handle LLC formations, registrations, and related filings across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Monitor court deadlines, filing requirements, and important dates to ensure timely completion of matters. Work directly with attorneys and clients to gather information, prepare documentation, and move matters forward. Coordinate with attorneys and the firm's established legal support team to ensure efficient workflow and case management. Maintain accurate, organized, and up-to-date electronic and physical files. Identify potential issues, anticipate next steps, and proactively address matters requiring attention.

Required Qualifications: Minimum of 5+ years of strictly probate and estate planning experience. Required experience handling probate and estate matters in ALL THREE jurisdictions: Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Candidates without experience in all three jurisdictions will not meet the minimum qualifications. Demonstrated ability to independently manage probate and estate administration matters. Strong working knowledge of probate procedures, court filings, and fiduciary requirements across all three jurisdictions. Experience preparing probate petitions, inventories, fiduciary accountings, and related documentation. Familiarity with trust administration, fiduciary tax filings, deed preparation, and LLC formations is highly desirable. A consistent employment history demonstrating professional stability and commitment. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple matters, prioritize deadlines, and work independently. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. A proactive, resourceful approach with the ability to anticipate needs and take ownership of assigned responsibilities. Strong professional judgment and the ability to work effectively with attorneys and support staff.

Work Schedule & Environment: The firm offers a welcoming, collaborative, and team-oriented culture. The attorneys and staff value working together, maintaining a positive atmosphere, and enjoying time together outside of the day-to-day work environment. The successful candidate will receive hands-on training and support while being trusted to independently manage their responsibilities. This is an opportunity to join an established team where initiative, experience, and the ability to take ownership of your work are valued