Trust & Estates Legal Assistant
Job Summary
The Legal Administrative Assistant for the Trusts & Estates Section works closely with all members of the group to perform legal administrative functions for a busy team. This position will report to the Supervising Attorneys and Director of Human Resources and will be based in Houston, Texas. This position is non-exempt and requires four days in the office with one remote day.
Duties and Responsibilities
-
Serve as the primary contact for clients by answering attorneys’ phones, fielding questions, and ensuring excellent client service
-
Coordinate client appointments and meetings ensuring timely and efficient scheduling
-
Prepare engagement letters and process conflicts to onboard clients
-
Enter, review, and revise attorney timesheets and transmit invoices by email to clients
-
Prepare documents for client meetings and serve as a witness/notary during will signings
-
Prepare Estate Planning Binders to be sent to clients
-
Draft standard cover letters for correspondence, memoranda, and other legal documents
-
Submit attorney expense reimbursements
-
E-file documents in probate court
-
Coordinate delivery of original will and obtain file-stamped copy of wills
-
Calendar due dates in Asana and follow up with attorneys to ensure progression on matters
-
Organization and retention of the Will Vault including identifying legacy estate documents for filing, destruction, or client follow-up through obituary and probate record research.
-
Coordinate with county court clerks to ensure proper filing of Wills in accordance with jurisdiction-specific requirements and maintain accurate records.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
-
Minimum of three to five years of legal assistant experience in a Trusts & Estates practice in a law firm
-
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
-
Polished and professional client service and relations
-
Strong computer proficiency in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Document Management System, Time Entry, e-Filing, and database software
-
Demonstrates flexibility in a dynamic work environment
-
Self-Starter that takes initiative to ensure deadlines are met
-
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
-
Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times
Benefits and Perks
-
Competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short & long term disability, and other ancillary benefits
-
Generous Firm contribution to employee HSA Accounts each year, as well as, matching and profit sharing in our Firm’s 401(k) profit sharing program
-
Central downtown location and choice of firm-paid garage parking or firm-paid monthly transportation allowance
-
Digital family planning platform providing support through various life journeys and Backup Care Benefit
-
Generous paid time off and 11 paid holidays
-
Wellness Program that includes gym reimbursements, GoPivot wellness platform, teledoc resources for physical and mental health appointment and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
-
Quarterly training program for professional development
-
Employee led Social Committee with regular social events and monthly community service opportunities
-
Competitive salary that reflects your experience and skills
-
Newly renovated office with cold brew/tea on tap, elevated coffee/espresso machines, and snacks in the kitchen
