Estate Planning Paralegal (High-Net-Worth / Private Client Services)
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly sophisticated and detail-oriented Estate Planning Paralegal to support attorneys in a premier private client practice. This role involves working closely with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families to implement complex estate planning strategies with precision, discretion, and white-glove service.
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, client-centric environment and demonstrates exceptional organizational skills, technical expertise, and professionalism.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and draft advanced estate planning documents, including:
- Revocable and irrevocable trusts
- Wills, codicils, and ancillary documents
- Powers of attorney and healthcare directives
- Family limited partnerships (FLPs) and LLC-related documents
- Assist attorneys with sophisticated wealth transfer strategies, including:
- Gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer planning
- Charitable planning vehicles (CLATs, CRUTs, private foundations)
- Coordinate all aspects of trust funding, including:
- Preparing and recording deeds
- Retitling assets and working with financial institutions
- Maintaining detailed asset inventories
- Serve as a primary point of contact for high-profile clients, ensuring:
- Discretion and confidentiality at all times
- Exceptional client service and responsiveness
- Manage execution of estate planning documents:
- Coordinate signings (often with multiple parties and advisors)
- Ensure compliance with state-specific execution requirements
- Maintain and organize complex client files and estate planning portfolios
- Assist with post-mortem trust and estate administration as needed
Qualifications
- 5+ years of estate planning experience, preferably in a high-net-worth practice
- Strong understanding of estate planning concepts, tax implications, and trust structures
- Experience with sophisticated planning techniques and large, complex estates
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
- High level of discretion and professionalism
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with accuracy
Preferred Skills
- Experience with estate planning software (e.g., WealthCounsel, ElderCounsel, or similar)
- Familiarity with fiduciary accounting and estate administration
- Strong communication skills with the ability to interact confidently with affluent clients and their advisors (CPAs, financial planners, family offices)
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Bonus potential
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a highly regarded private client team
Why Join Us
- Work with a prestigious client base and complex, intellectually engaging matters
- Collaborative, high-performing legal team
- Exposure to advanced estate planning strategies and elite clientele
- Professional growth within a respected and sophisticated practice
This position can be based in Charleston or Charlotte
