About Us:
We are a growing business and litigation law firm with approximately 200 attorneys in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our team's dedication to excellence has established us as a leader in the legal industry. We are currently seeking a highly skilled and experienced Paralegal to support our Tax & Private Wealth practice group in our Columbia Office.
Job Description:
This position provides a wide variety of tax and private wealth paralegal support and administrative tasks including basic document creation and departmental file organization and maintenance. This individual will have at least 3 years of paralegal experience in a law firm setting and will possess excellent organization and communication skills. They will work well independently and, on a team, and will have a keen understanding of the administration of trusts and estates, assist attorneys in various types of legal matters, and provide assistance in preparing probate pleadings and related legal documents.
Key Responsibilities:
Document Preparation and Management (pleadings and other documents for sophisticated trust and estate administration matters).

• Prepare initial drafts of trust and estate-related tax returns.
• Prepare, edit and review informal estate and trust accountings, administration of ongoing trusts, including distribution requests and income tax payments.
• Gather, organize, summarize, and index documents from various sources.
• Draft legal documents, including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits and interrogatories, file motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures.
• Research and analyze statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provides written analysis to attorneys.
• Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case filings, which may include evidence, exhibits, and other items.
• Develops and maintains records regarding billable hours spent on specific cases.
• File documents in Court and maintain positive relationships with Court staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved paralegal educational program or a four-year degree and a paralegal certificate from an ABA-certified program are preferred.
• Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university. Military or other applicable experience may substitute for educational requirements.
• Minimum of 3 years trust & estates law paralegal experience required (either in a law firm or working with in-house counsel).

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications including MS Word and Excel.
• Must demonstrate aptitude for learning other office related software.
• Ability and willingness to work cooperatively and professionally with co-workers.
• Excellent proofreading skills; proficiency in spelling and correct use of English grammar and punctuation.
• Ability to communicate with diverse populations and to work cooperatively and professionally with colleagues.
• Work schedule flexibility, including availability for overtime.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to think clearly, react positively and evaluate situations to determine appropriate action and act decisively under pressure.
• Ability to proactively identify opportunities to assist team and those the team supports.
• Must be highly organized and a self-starter.

• 3 or more years of experience as a trusts & estates paralegal
• Paralegal Certificate
• Experience in providing trusts & estates support strongly preferred.

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and supportive environment.
• A collaborative culture that values innovation, integrity, and inclusivity.

Hiring Contact: Nikia Hairston
Hiring Contact Email Address: HumanResources@whitefordlaw.com