Eckel, Hoag & O'Connor
Legal Assistant - Probate and Estate Planning
Full Time • Acton
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Company parties
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Eckel, Hoag & O’Connor is a reputable law firm specializing in Estate Planning, Probate and Elder Law. We are committed to providing exceptional legal services to our clients and are looking for a skilled and dedicated Probate and Estate Planning Legal Assistant to join our team.
Job Summary:
The Probate and Estate Planning Legal Assistant will support attorneys and paralegals in administrating probate cases and preparing estate planning documents. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of probate and estate planning processes, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage complex tasks efficiently.
The Probate and Estate Planning Legal Assistant will support attorneys and paralegals in administrating probate cases and preparing estate planning documents. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of probate and estate planning processes, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage complex tasks efficiently.
Key Responsibilities:
- Client Communication:
- Serve as a point of contact for clients, providing updates and answering inquiries.
- Schedule and coordinate client meetings and appointments.
- Assist in gathering necessary documentation and information from clients.
- Document Preparation and Management:
- Draft, proofread, and finalize documents related to probate and estate planning, including guardianship, conservatorship, and probate petitions.
- Prepare and file court documents in compliance with legal standards and deadlines; communicate with court and other legal entities.
- Maintain and organize client files, both electronic and physical, ensuring all documents are up to date and easily accessible.
- Case Management:
- Assist attorneys in managing probate cases, including tracking deadlines and ensuring timely filings.
- Monitor and update case status, including court dates, deadlines, and other critical milestones.
- Coordinate with court personnel, financial institutions, and other parties as necessary.
- Research and Analysis:
- Conduct legal research on probate and estate planning matters as directed by attorneys.
- Summarize findings and assist in preparing reports and legal memoranda.
- Administrative Support:
- Perform general administrative tasks, including answering phones, managing calendars, and processing mail.
- Assist in billing and invoicing clients, as well as tracking expenses related to cases.
Qualifications:
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Paralegal certification or relevant coursework in probate and estate planning is a plus.
Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience as a legal assistant, paralegal, or other relevant experience, preferably in probate and estate planning.
- Familiarity with local probate court procedures and requirements is preferred.
Skills:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), legal practice management software (Clio, MyCase or Rocket Matter), and research tools.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
- Ability to work on projects independently with minimal oversight.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement plan with employer match.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Professional development opportunities.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience to mbeal@eckel-law.com
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience to mbeal@eckel-law.com
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Eckel, Hoag & O’Connor is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Eckel, Hoag & O’Connor is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Compensation: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (MassNAELA) is a non-profit voluntary association whose members consist of a dedicated group of elder law and special needs attorneys across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MassNAELA was incorporated in 1992, to serve the legal profession and the public with the following mission: Educate, inspire, serve, advocate, and provide community to attorneys with practices in elder and special needs law.
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Flexible Schedule
Working in the legal field can allow you to have a great work/life balance. Whether you are working in a small law office or a large firm, the legal profession offers flexible schedules and great office culture.
Job Security
Many Elder and Special Needs Law attorneys advise clients regarding the probate process (legal process when someone dies) and taxes. As Benjamin Franklin said, “The only two certainties in life are death and taxes.”
Rewarding Work
The practice of Elder and Special Needs law focuses on building personal relationships and helping clients obtain benefits that will help them lead better lives. These practice areas also help individuals and families plan for the future, which can make some of life’s most challenging times a little more straightforward.