Estate Planning Paralegal

We are seeking an Estate Planning Paralegal. At Haynes and Boone, our people are the driving force behind our success. Because we value the role every individual plays in how we deliver exceptional legal services, we hire people who will contribute to our professional reputation, enhance client relationships and share in our success.

Haynes and Boone is one of the largest law firms in Dallas, and it continues to grow. In 2023, Haynes and Boone moved its headquarters to a new 27-story office tower in the Harwood District of uptown Dallas. Lawyers in our Dallas office serve all the firm’s practice and industry areas – including corporate, litigation, banking/finance, insurance law, healthcare law, labor and employment, estate planning, real estate, bankruptcy, intellectual property, white collar crime, and antitrust. Our Dallas lawyers are widely recognized in their practice areas in publications such as The Best Lawyers in America directory (Woodward/White, Inc.) and the Chambers USA legal directory (Chambers & Partners). This office attracts high-energy, technically proficient people who enjoy working in a collegial environment. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that reflects our communities, and we seek highly motivated lawyers and staff who value our culture of respect and teamwork.

This non-exempt employee will assist attorneys in accomplishing clients’ goals by paying close attention to detail and using organizational, analytical and communication skills. Position requires individual with ability to conduct legal research, manage deadlines, and draft documents.

Essential Duties

• Communicate with clients

• Draft estate planning documents such as Wills, Trusts, and ancillary documents (financial powers of attorney and medical documents)

• Prepare summaries/memorandums and analyses of estate planning documents

• Prepare flowcharts

• Draft probate documents

• File probate documents electronically

• Assess creditors’ claims

• Prepare distribution plans for probate administration

• Provide support for attorneys preparing for hearings by researching case law and statutes

• Assist attorneys with file maintenance and reminders for outstanding projects

• Assist attorneys with preparation and filing of federal gift and estate tax returns

• Prepare and record Deeds

• Prepare entity (limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation) formation documents

• File documents with the Texas Secretary of State

Other Duties

• Assist attorneys with speeches and articles.

• Attend CLE and courses so as to expand knowledge of substantive law.

• Perform other related duties as needed or assigned.

Reporting Relationship

Reports directly to the Office Administrator and indirectly to assigned attorneys. 

Qualifications

Knowledge/Experience:

The Paralegal should be familiar with effective administrative processes and possess the ability to manage a multitude of tasks and deals simultaneously with a minimum of three years Estate Planning Experience.  This employee should be able to work independently with minimal supervision. The Paralegal should have administrative experience related to the legal services environment. 

Skills:

The Paralegal must possess above-average writing skills and have the ability to conduct legal research and translate difficult concepts into simple terms.  This employee should also have great computer skills.

Education:

Paralegal certification from an ABA approved school or bachelor’s degree in a field related to law, administration, or liberal arts required. 

Physical Demands:

Must be able to move around the office up to 15% of the time to make copies, fax, file, etc. Remains stationary at least 75% of the time.  This position constantly operates, computers and other office productivity machines (e.g., fax machine, copier, printer, etc.). Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 lbs. This position requires constant communication and exchange of information with the Firm attorneys, clients and staff. This position must be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time.

Working Conditions

Office Environment.  Overtime Required.