Job Description

Company Description

Ridgway Law Group is a Western Washington based law firm specializing in Estate and Probate Litigation, Fiduciary Services, Estate Planning, Mediation Services, Guardianship, and Elder Law. The firm is known for its personalized client service, legal guidance, and skillful advocacy. With over 36 years of experience, the team is dedicated to finding practical solutions and providing effective legal representation.

The firm is seeking a self-motivated paralegal with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in probate and guardianship to join our team. The ideal candidate will be willing to start working part-time for 24-26 hours, three days per week. This is a hybrid non-exempt position. The ideal candidate must be able to work with clients from diverse backgrounds, work independently, and be aware of the boundary between preparing documents and giving legal advice. 

Schedule (flexible)

Tuesday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., HYBRID - Will be able to work remote, however, occasionally you will be required to come into our Burien, WA office for document signings, ZOOM hearings, and or client meetings.

Position Overview (MUST BE LOCATED <50 MILES OF BURIEN WA)

The paralegal will assist the attorneys (currently, there are three) in all aspects of estate administration, including the probate process, handling wills, managing assets, and facilitating guardianship proceedings. The paralegal will prepare legal documents, communicate with beneficiaries, and coordinate court filings under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Key responsibilities include gathering client information, drafting petitions, inventories, accountings, and notices, contacting heirs and creditors, and ensuring compliance with probate laws and procedures.

Key responsibilities may include:

• Client intake and case management: Gather necessary information from clients, including financial records, beneficiaries, and asset details, to initiate probate proceedings. 
• Document preparation: Drafting and filing court documents such as petitions for probate, wills, inventories, accounting, creditor notices, and distribution plans. 
• Legal research: Research relevant probate laws, court rules, and case precedents to ensure accuracy in document preparation. 
• Communication with stakeholders:
• Contacting the estate's beneficiaries, heirs, creditors, and other parties to provide updates and gather necessary information. 
• Asset management: Assisting with the identification, valuation, and liquidation of estate assets like real property, investments, and personal belongings. 
• Guardianship proceedings: Supporting attorneys in establishing guardianships for incapacitated individuals, including preparing petitions and necessary documentation. 
• Court appearances: Attending court hearings with attorneys to support the case and provide necessary documentation. 
• Record keeping: Maintaining accurate case files, including correspondence, legal documents, and deadlines. 

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Completion of a paralegal certification program from an accredited institution
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a Washington State law firm specializing in guardianship, estate planning, probate, and trust administration.
• Previous experience as a legal secretary or legal assistant is preferred.
• Excellent computer skills are required. Specifically, Microsoft Office and Adobe, and Practice Master experience is a plus. Proficiency in legal software TABS3 

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