Probate and Trust Administration Paralegal

Job Overview 

Sanchez, Mitchell, Eastman, Cure & Wichert, P.S. has a long-standing reputation in Kitsap County for careful, responsive legal work. We’re looking for an experienced paralegal to join our probate and trust administration practice. 

The right candidate already knows Washington probate and trust administration well enough to move a file from opening to closing. Our practice is busy, and you’ll carry a large caseload with overlapping deadlines, many clients and family members, and a steady stream of court filings. Formal project management experience is a strong plus. 

We keep the atmosphere informal: doors are almost always open, dress is business casual, and everyone goes by first names. The work suits someone who is organized, takes ownership of their work, and likes working directly with clients during a hard time in their lives. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Manage a high volume of probate and trust administration matters from opening through closing 
• Prepare probate pleadings and court documents, including petitions, orders, letters testamentary and letters of administration, notices, inventories, and declarations of completion 
• Handle creditor claim procedures, including publication and mailed notice to creditors 
• Assist trustees with administration after a trust becomes irrevocable, including beneficiary notices, asset collection, and accountings 
• Track deadlines across all assigned files and keep matters moving without being prompted 
• Gather and organize asset, debt, and beneficiary information; work with financial institutions, title companies, appraisers, and CPAs 
• Assist with estate and trust accountings, asset transfers, and distributions 
• Serve as a primary point of contact for personal representatives, trustees, and beneficiaries, keeping them informed and managing their expectations 
• Assist with TEDRA agreements and nonprobate asset issues as needed 

Qualifications 

• At least 1 year of probate and trust administration experience; Washington experience strongly preferred 
• Working knowledge of Washington probate and trust procedure under Title 11 RCW, including nonintervention probates, creditor claim procedures, and trustee notice requirements 
• Demonstrated ability to manage a large, active caseload with competing deadlines • Project management experience or training (preferred) 
• Paralegal certificate or degree (preferred) 
• Washington notary commission, or willingness to obtain one 
• Experience with practice management software; PracticeMaster/Tabs3 a plus 
• Strong writing skills and close attention to detail 
• Clear, patient communication with clients who often have no prior experience with the legal system 

Compensation and Benefits 

Pay depends on experience, and the position is eligible for monthly performance bonuses. We consider several factors when setting compensation, including years and level of experience, competency, and other relevant skills and qualifications. 

How to Apply 

Please send your resume to baw@spinnakerbldg.com. A cover letter is welcome but not required. If you include one, it helps to tell us: 

• How many years you’ve worked on Washington probate and trust administration matters, and what portion of your work that represented 
• Roughly how many active matters you’ve managed at one time, and how you kept track of them 
• Which parts of a probate or trust administration you’ve handled on your own, from opening to closing 

The firm is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law, in all personnel actions including recruitment, evaluation, selection, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and termination of employment. 

Job Type: Full-time 

Benefits: medical insurance, firm-paid 401(k) contributions (no employee contribution required), paid time off, parental leave, professional development assistance 

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm 

Work Location: In person, Bremerton, WA