Estate Paralegal

Our Murrysville-based law firm is seeking an experienced Estate Paralegal to join our growing team. With over 130 years of combined legal experience, we represent clients across Westmoreland, Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington, and Fayette Counties in Real Estate, Estate Planning, Estate Administration, and Business Planning.

The Role

You will work directly with our attorneys on a full caseload of estate planning and administration matters — from initial client consultation through document execution and post-closing follow-up. This is a substantive role that requires someone who can hit the ground running with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Coordination: Schedule and coordinate client meetings for estate planning and administration matters.
• Document Preparation: Work closely with attorneys to prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents from meeting notes and client information — with exacting attention to detail.
• Estate Administration: Prepare PA Inheritance Tax Returns (REV-1500/REV-1502), Inventories, Petitions for Grant of Letters, Family Exemption Petitions, Status Reports, and other Orphans' Court filings.
• Execution Meetings: Attend document execution meetings and manage all post-meeting follow-ups, including recording documents, notifying financial institutions, and updating case files.
• Administration Meetings: Attend and take detailed notes during Estate Administration meetings; track action items and deadlines.
• Calendar & Deadlines: Manage the estate administration calendar, including inheritance tax filing deadlines, discount periods, and court filing dates.
• Correspondence: Draft and manage correspondence with clients, financial institutions, courts, and other parties.
• Other Duties: Assist with additional tasks as needed to support the firm's estate and trust practice.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of direct, hands-on experience in an estate planning or estate administration practice. Candidates must be able to demonstrate specific, verifiable experience with the duties listed above.
• Working knowledge of Pennsylvania estate law, including the Probate, Estates, and Fiduciaries Code (Title 20), inheritance tax procedures, and Orphans' Court practice.
• Proven ability to prepare PA Inheritance Tax Returns (REV-1500 and REV-1502) with accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and the ability to learn firm-specific software quickly. Experience with Lackner is a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail. Estate documents require precision — errors in names, dates, fiduciary designations, or tax calculations have real legal and financial consequences for our clients. We need someone who catches issues before they leave the office.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple active matters, competing deadlines, and shifting priorities.
• Professional demeanor with genuine care for clients who are often navigating difficult life transitions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program or equivalent education.
• Experience with SoftPro or other title/settlement software.
• Familiarity with PA Orphans' Court Rules and local practice in Westmoreland or Allegheny County.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: Commensurate with your verified experience and skill level.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• Financial Future: 401(k) and Retirement Plan options.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid Time Off and a consistent Monday–Friday schedule.
• Professional Environment: A collaborative, growing firm with experienced attorneys who invest in their team.

Please note: References will be contacted and experience will be verified during the hiring process. We are looking for a candidate whose skills and background match the demands of this role from day one.

Individual applicants only; no recruiters, please.

How to Apply

Submit your resume, cover letter, and two professional references to [email protected]. Please include "Estate Paralegal" in your subject line.