Estate & Trust Paralegal

Walker Bowen Talent Partners•Columbia, SC

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

The firm is seeking an experienced Estate Planning & Trusts Paralegal to join its estate planning and elder law practice. The role supports sophisticated estate planning for high-net-worth individuals and families, whose estates typically range from $5 million to $45 million. Work focuses on customized strategies for wealth preservation, asset protection, tax efficiency, and multigenerational wealth transfer. The paralegal will draft complex estate planning documents, assist with advanced trust strategies and trust funding, and manage matters from client intake through document execution and funding. The role involves close collaboration with attorneys, clients, financial advisors, accountants, trustees, and other professionals. The position offers meaningful responsibility and direct attorney collaboration in a team-oriented practice handling complex matters. Primary work is in the office in Columbia, Maryland, with a potential hybrid schedule. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, qualifications, and technical expertise, with bonus opportunities.

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 with accuracy and attention to detail.
Exceptional discretion and professionalism when working with attorneys, high-net-worth clients, financial advisors, and other professionals.

Nice To Haves

Experience in 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 is considered.

Responsibilities

Draft, revise, and prepare wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and related instruments.
Assist attorneys with estate planning strategies involving wealth preservation, estate and gift tax considerations, asset protection, and generational wealth transfers.
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, and GRATs, as applicable.
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 implement 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 estate planning documents are properly executed and organized.
Communicate directly with clients regarding documentation, information gathering, and the estate planning process.

Benefits

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, qualifications, and technical expertise.
Bonus opportunities.
Potential hybrid schedule.
Unlimited paid time off (UPTO).
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.