Estate Planning Paralegal - Gianelli, Friedman, Jeffries & McKernan, APLC; Modesto

Gianelli, Friedman, Jeffries & McKernan, APLC is a law firm focused on estate planning, business law, litigation, real estate, and probate law. We provide the very best legal services to our clients throughout the California Central Valley. Our team offers comprehensive services to business owners and individuals alike.

We are seeking an experienced Estate Planning Paralegal to join our Modesto office. The ideal candidate will have strong drafting, organizational, and client-service skills with a focus on estate planning. This position does not involve litigation support but instead emphasizes document preparation, asset funding, and coordination with clients, financial institutions, and title companies.

• Draft estate planning documents, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, advance health care directives, trust amendments, and assignments of assets.
• Assist attorneys with trust funding, including preparing and recording deeds, reviewing legal descriptions and parcel maps, beneficiary designation changes, and assignment of assets.
• Coordinate with clients, financial institutions, and custodians to ensure proper titling of trust assets.
• Prepare schedules of assets and trust summaries.
• Conduct preliminary legal and factual research relevant to estate planning matters.
• Maintain accurate case management entries and monitor calendar deadlines.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality, ethics, and professional standards as required by California law.
• Perform other paralegal and administrative tasks as assigned.

• Compliance with California Business & Professions Code § 6450 (must meet paralegal education/certification requirements).
• Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of estate planning paralegal experience (non-litigation).
• Demonstrated experience with drafting and funding trusts, preparing deeds, and working with financial institutions.

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to prioritize and work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with estate planning software preferred.
• Strong client service and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• Position is based in Modesto, CA with in-office presence required; occasional hybrid flexibility may be available.
• Standard office environment with frequent use of computers, phones, and office equipment.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and occasionally move up to 15 pounds.

• Competitive hourly compensation commensurate with experience.
• Benefits package includes health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development support.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under California and federal law.