Senior Paralegal - Probate Administration Santa Barbara

Job Description

Experienced Probate Paralegal

Compensation Range: $95,000-$115,000 plus bonuses

Location: Santa Barbara County, CA (virtual or hybrid available)

Join The Estate Lawyers: Senior Probate Paralegal

At The Estate Lawyers, we protect trustees from getting sued and beneficiaries from getting screwed. We’re California’s fastest-growing boutique firm focused solely on trust and estate litigation—and we take probate administration seriously.

If you’re a highly experienced probate paralegal who thrives on precision, accountability, and moving complex cases forward, this is your opportunity to join a litigation-first firm that values your expertise. We’re looking for someone who doesn’t just "do the work"—they own it. You’ll be the go-to expert on probate matters, working closely with attorneys and clients to ensure every estate moves from opening petition to final distribution with speed, accuracy, and

compassion.

We welcome experienced paralegals located in California, and we offer a hybrid setup for the right candidate after training.

Who This Role Is For

You’ll thrive here if you:

• Have at least 5 years of heavy probate administration experience in California, including full case management from start to finish
• Know the California Probate Code, California Code of Civil Procedure, and California Rules of Court like the back of your hand
• Take pride in getting cases closed—on time, on budget, and with clear communication to clients
• Are a checklist master who thrives on structure, deadlines, and zero dropped balls
• Have worked directly with probate examiners and are familiar with local county rules
• Communicate confidently and empathetically with grieving clients and keep them engaged and informed
• Are calm under pressure, resourceful, and don’t need hand-holding to move cases forward
• May have a trusted legal assistant or admin support you enjoy working with—if so, let’s talk
• Live our values: Stay Hungry. Radical Candor. Radical Respect. Team Win / Client Win. No Jerks Allowed.

This Role Is Not For You If

• You’ve only supported probates and still need oversight
• You prefer to wait for instructions instead of proactively managing your caseload
• You struggle with calendaring deadlines or managing multiple open files at once
• You’re looking for a purely remote role without any in-office presence or collaboration

Education and Experience

• Minimum 5 years of California probate administration experience required
• Deep familiarity with:
• California Probate Code
• Code of Civil Procedure (CCP)
• California Rules of Court
• Local rules in SB, Ventura, and beyond
• Paralegal certificate or equivalent qualifying experience under CA Business & Professions Code §6450
• Experience using Clio, probate checklists, templates, and matter management systems preferred
• Strong writing and client communication skills a must

What You’ll Be Doing (and How You’ll Know You’re Crushing It)

You’ll be measured by your ability to:

• Open new probates, draft petitions, and track statutory notices, deadlines, and document filings
• Ensure no examiner notes get missed and that your files are always court-ready
• Track all phases of probate from Letters to Inventory & Appraisal to Accounting and Distribution
• Keep clients informed and engaged with clear communication and minimal attorney time
• Meet internal and court deadlines, communicate proactively, and reduce the need for extensions
• Manage multiple probate files at various stages—accurately and without dropped details
• Support trial attorneys as needed when probate matters involve litigation overlap

Core Responsibilities

• Prepare all probate filings and notices, from Petition for Probate to Final Distribution
• Liaise with clients, courts, probate referees, and third parties to move matters forward
• Draft Inventory & Appraisals, Ex Parte Petitions, accountings, and 13100 declarations
• Monitor deadlines and compliance across multiple counties using court portals and firm tools
• Prepare and maintain probate checklists and internal status reports
• Collaborate with paralegals, legal assistants, and attorneys across offices
• Lead/Manage the Probate Department -Train or mentor junior probate staff as needed

What We Expect From This Role

• Relentless follow-through and a deep respect for deadlines and client trust
• Proactive communication and file ownership—you run your files like a project manager
• Respect for structure and process, but a willingness to improve them too
• Desire to contribute to a growing team with high standards and shared wins

Why Join The Estate Lawyers?

We’re not your typical law firm. We move fast, we communicate directly, and we take pride in the results we get for our clients. At TEL, you’ll be empowered to take ownership of your caseload and rewarded for doing excellent work.

Here’s what makes us different:

• Respect for Experts – Our attorneys rely on our paralegals, not just assign to them
• Supportive Culture – Training, tools, and checklists to help you shine
• Smart Systems – A tech-forward firm that leverages Clio, SharePoint, and templates to stay efficient
• Growth Opportunity – Clear roles, defined responsibilities, and room to grow into a team leadership position
• Collaborative Team – Radical candor, radical respect, and no jerks allowed
• Flexibility That Works – We believe in accountability over micromanagement, and offer hybrid setups for high performers

Compensation & Benefits

• Position Type: Full-Time / Hourly
• Compensation Range: $90,000 – $115,000 based on experience, plus bonuses
• Benefits Include:
• Paid Time off plus over 15 firm holidays
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with monthly firm contribution
• 401(k) with profit sharing
• Tech reimbursement + CLE/professional development support
• Quarterly team events
• Work Location: On-site in Santa Barbara or remote if you have the requisite experience

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Email your resume and a brief cover letter to: JoinNow@TheEstateLawyers.com

Subject Line: [Your Name] – Senior Probate Paralegal -SB

In your cover letter, please share:

• How many probate cases you've taken from start to finish
• What excites you about joining a litigation-focused probate team
• What systems or tools help you manage deadlines and keep files moving
• Whether you have a trusted support team member you’d like to bring with you

We can’t wait to meet you.