Estate Planning Paralegal – North Barrington, Illinois

Position Summary:

The Estate Planning Paralegal is responsible for supporting attorneys in all aspects of estate planning. This includes drafting legal documents, managing case files, coordinating with clients and institutions, and ensuring accurate, timely execution of tasks. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a client-focused approach.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare conflict checks for potential new clients
• Assist attorneys with funding letters to clients and follow-up with action items required
• Manage client correspondence and track key milestones in estate matters
• Coordinate document execution and notarization, as needed
• Maintain calendars and schedule meetings, signings, and hearings
• Track related case expenses and prepare client matter packages
• Answer, screen, and initiate client and attorney phone calls and emails
• Gather and organize client financial and asset data, including bank, brokerage, and real estate documents
• Draft estate planning documents including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related instruments using WealthCounsel a plus
• Maintain hard copy and electronic client files and document databases
• Provide exceptional client service with sensitivity during time of loss
• Conduct legal and financial research as needed
• Format, proofread, and finalize documents with precision
• Maintain up-to-date templates, checklists, and practice area resources
• Provide reception support as needed
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise independent judgment
• Prepare probate and estate administration filings as needed

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Strong organizational, proofreading, and time management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication and professionalism
• Familiarity with estate planning and probate procedures
• Ability to manage sensitive client matters with empathy and discretion
• Experience with legal terminology, document formatting, and case file management
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks under deadline
• Strong interpersonal skills and team orientation
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Typing speed of 60+ WPM preferred

Education/Training:

• Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate preferred
• Minimum of 3 years related work experience in estate planning or estate administration required

Benefits:

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid time off
• Competitive salary based on experience