Trusts & Estates Litigation Paralegal

at  Johnston Kinney Zulaica LLP

The Trusts & Estates Litigation Paralegal must have at least three (3) years of recent Trusts & Estates litigation experience and will manage the discovery process as well as prepare cases for depositions, mediations and trials. The Trusts & Estates Litigation Paralegal will prepare legal documents, filings, and/or general correspondence with accuracy and adhere to the JKZ formatting guidelines and will be charged with maintaining the litigation calendar. This position requires that the Trusts & Estates Litigation Paralegal be extremely detail-oriented, organized, critical about accuracy, spelling and grammar and possess the ability to prioritize and follow up. This is a very fast paced environment, and the Trusts & Estates Litigation Paralegal must be able to multitask and manage a voluminous caseload. This role requires a self-starter who is willing and open to learning new skills as well as taking initiative and being proactive.
JKZ tentatively plans to open a small office in San Diego around September, 2024. Until then, this position will be remote. Once the office is open, the position requires the Trusts & Estates Litigation Paralegal to be in office a minimum of 3 days a week. Travel will be required to San Francisco for onboarding training and certain other required meetings.
Direct Reports: n/a

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Certified Paralegal
• At least three (3) years of recent experience as a Trusts & Estates Litigation Paralegal

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Proficiency in California Rules of Court and local rules.
• Knowledge of the California probate and trust administration process.
• Proficient in the MS Office Suite with an emphasis on Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Solid command of English including excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, form and style.
• Organized and detail oriented.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work well with a team and on your own.
• Positive attitude, intellectually curious, dependable and motivated.

• Perform legal research.
• Draft legal documents, notices, motions and other pleading documents.
• Draft formal discovery requests and responses, including special interrogatories, requests for admissions, production demands, deposition notices, and motions to compel.
• Calendar appointments and deadlines.
• Manage and organize client files as well as keep client database and document management system up to date.
• Compile and organize documents and binders for trials and/or court hearings.
• Maintain billable hour requirement.