Estate & Trust Paralegal

Walker Bowen Talent Partners•Columbia, MD

22h•$80,000 - $150,000

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced paralegal to join a busy, sophisticated estate planning and elder law practice. The role supports complex estate planning for high-net-worth individuals and families, whose estates typically range from $5 million to $45 million. Planning work focuses on wealth preservation, asset protection, tax efficiency, and multigenerational wealth transfer. The paralegal will draft complex estate planning documents, support advanced trust strategies and trust funding, and independently manage matters while collaborating closely with attorneys, clients, and other professionals. The position offers meaningful responsibility and the opportunity to contribute to sophisticated estate planning solutions. Primary work is in-office in Columbia, Maryland, with a potential hybrid schedule.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience as an estate planning or trusts and estates paralegal.
Significant hands-on experience drafting complex estate planning documents, particularly irrevocable trusts.
Strong understanding of trust funding procedures, asset titling, beneficiary designations, and related documentation.
Experience supporting estate planning for high-net-worth individuals and families.
Familiarity with advanced estate planning techniques and trust structures.
Excellent drafting, proofreading, organizational, and client communication skills.
Ability to independently manage multiple complex matters accurately and with attention to detail.
Exceptional accuracy, discretion, and professionalism when working with attorneys, high-net-worth clients, financial advisors, and other professionals.

Nice To Haves

Experience within a sophisticated private-client practice.
Experience with estate planning document automation software and legal practice management systems.
Knowledge of elder law and asset protection planning.
Paralegal certification or a relevant degree; equivalent experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Draft, revise, and prepare wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and related instruments.
Assist attorneys with wealth preservation, estate and gift tax, asset protection, and generational wealth transfer strategies.
Prepare and coordinate trust funding documentation, including deeds, assignments, beneficiary designations, and asset transfer documents.
Support the creation and implementation of irrevocable trust structures, including ILITs, SLATs, GRATs, and other applicable planning vehicles.
Review client financial information, asset ownership, beneficiary designations, and existing estate planning documents to identify planning and funding needs.
Coordinate with financial advisors, accountants, trustees, and other professionals to ensure proper implementation of estate plans.
Manage estate planning matters from initial client intake through document preparation, execution, and trust funding.
Assist with elder law and asset protection planning, including preparation of supporting documentation.
Maintain accurate client records, track deadlines, and ensure documents are properly executed and organized.
Communicate directly with clients about documentation, information gathering, and the estate planning process.

Benefits

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, qualifications, and technical expertise.
Bonus opportunities.
Potential for a hybrid schedule, with primary in-office work in Columbia, Maryland.
Unlimited paid time off (UPTO) and strong work-life balance.
401(k) with employer matching.
Life insurance.
Employee discounts.
Professional development opportunities.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Positive, team-oriented culture built on education, compassion, and excellence.