Probate Litigation Legal Assistant

Burrey Law Group, Inc. is a respected, client-focused law firm in Orinda, CA, specializing in probate and estate litigation, estate planning, and trust administration. We understand that disputes involving estates and trusts can be incredibly stressful. Our dedicated team is committed to offering clear guidance, truly listening to our clients’ concerns, and diligently protecting their rights to achieve peace of mind. We pride ourselves on a supportive work environment where meticulous attention to detail, empathy, and client advocacy are paramount.

Our Vision & Your Essential Role

Burrey Law Group is on an ambitious mission: to help 500 clients per year navigate their legal challenges and find resolution by December 31, 2028. By then, we aim to be a leading law firm in Northern California, renowned for outstanding results, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to client success, particularly within our core Trust & Estates practice.

As our Probate Litigation Legal Assistant, your exceptional organizational skills, proactive support, and commitment to excellence will be instrumental in helping us achieve this vision. You will be a cornerstone of our ability to deliver the high-quality, empathetic service our clients deserve and upon which our reputation is built.

The Opportunity: What You Will Be Doing

We are seeking an experienced Litigation Legal Assistant to join our Orinda office. In this vital role, you will provide comprehensive support to our attorneys, manage critical case details, and ensure the smooth operation of our litigation practice. Your work will directly contribute to our clients’ positive outcomes and the firm’s success. You will also be responsible for essential office management and administrative duties, including maintaining attorney calendars and maintaining a California Notary Public certificate.

The Ideal Candidate: Who We Are Looking For

You are the ideal candidate if you are:

• Client-Focused & Empathetic
• Welcoming, confident, patient, and compassionate, reflecting our firm’s approach.
• Committed to Excellence
• Detail-oriented, exceptionally organized, and dedicated to producing high-quality work with strong proofreading skills.
• A Proactive Team Player
• Enthusiastic, flexible, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly Efficient
• Able to independently manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving litigation environment.
• Experienced & Resourceful
• Possessing sound judgment and decision-making skills, with experience supporting multiple individuals and managing competing needs.
• Preferred Background
• Experience as a legal assistant or paralegal in probate, trust, estate, and/or conservatorship litigation and administration is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities: What You Will Do

As our Trust and Estate Litigation Legal Assistant, your comprehensive responsibilities will include:

• Conducting in-depth legal research and analysis on complex trust and estate issues.
• Drafting a wide range of legal documents, including pleadings, demurrers, summary judgment motions, discovery requests and responses, and trial briefs.
• Managing all aspects of discovery, including e-discovery, document review and production, and witness preparation.
• Preparing for and participating in mediations, arbitrations, and settlement negotiations.
• Managing case files with a significant degree of autonomy, ensuring deadlines are met and cases progress efficiently.
• Office Management and Notarization
• Perform a variety of office administration tasks, including managing supplies, handling mail, and maintaining an organized and efficient office environment.
• Maintain and manage attorneys' calendars, scheduling appointments, court dates, and deadlines.
• Prepare estate planning documents for client signings and assist with the execution of those documents.
• Serve as the firm's certified Notary Public for client and firm documents, including notarizing estate plans. You will be required to obtain and maintain a California Notary Public certificate, with all associated costs covered by the firm.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a litigation legal assistant or paralegal in a civil litigation environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a trust and estate planning practice.
• High school diploma (or equivalent).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience with legal case management software is beneficial.
• In-depth knowledge of California state court procedures and rules, particularly for e-filing in Contra Costa, San Francisco, and Alameda Counties.
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, emphasizing clarity and professionalism.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with utmost discretion.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively as part of a dedicated legal team.
• Notary Public Requirement
• Must maintain a valid California Notary Public certificate upon hire. The firm will cover the costs for renewals.

Why Join Burrey Law Group? What’s In It For You?

We value every member of our team and strive to create an environment where you can build a rewarding and sustainable career.

• Competitive Compensation & Benefits
• Pay range: $85,000 to $105,000 annually (based on experience)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage options
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k) or similar)
• Paid Time Off (PTO), including sick and vacation time
• Paid Holidays
• Discretionary, performance-based bonuses
• A Fulfilling Career & Positive Impact
• Play an integral role in our clients’ successes and make a difference.
• Experience meaningful, challenging, and satisfying work.
• Opportunity for Growth & Development
• We support our team members’ desires to grow and advance.
• Access learning opportunities that facilitate new responsibilities and professional achievement.
• Supportive & Collaborative Team Environment
• Join a culture of teamwork, mutual respect, and regular communication.
• Your contributions to improving our practices and client service are valued.
• Work/Life Integration
• While legal work is demanding, we strive for an environment that supports “working to live,” not “living to work,” respecting your commitments outside the office.

Essential Role Details

• Job Type: Full-time
• Schedule: 8-hour shift (Monday to Friday)
• Preferred Education (A Plus, Not Required)
• Paralegal Certificate from an ABA-approved program
• Certified Paralegal or Certified Legal Assistant designation
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Work Location
• This is primarily an in-office role at our Orinda Office (4 Orinda Way, Suite 110-D, Orinda, CA 94563), with flexibility for some remote work.

Ready to Contribute to a Growing Firm?

If you are a dedicated and skilled Litigation Legal Assistant looking for a rewarding opportunity in a supportive, client-focused firm, we encourage you to apply!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Orinda, CA 94563 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Orinda, CA 94563: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person