Careers

Location: Monterey, CA
Department: Business
Reports To: Legal Practice Manager
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $75,000 – $100,000, depending on experience

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Business & Estates Paralegal to join our legal team in Monterey, California. This position supports attorneys with California business entity matters, corporate maintenance, business transactions, probate administration, trust administration, and estate settlement matters. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, familiarity with California Secretary of State filings, California Probate Code requirements, local court rules, and excellent client service capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys with California business entity formations, conversions, dissolutions, and maintenance for corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and partnerships
• Prepare and coordinate filings with the California Secretary of State, including Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, Statements of Information, Certificates of Status, certified copies, name reservations, and related business entity filings
• Maintain corporate and company records, including minute books, ownership records, bylaws, operating agreements, shareholder and member consents, board resolutions, annual minutes, and organizational documents
• Support business transactions by preparing closing checklists, due diligence materials, signature packets, closing binders, entity authority documents, and ancillary transaction documents under attorney supervision
• Assist with UCC searches and filings, business license tracking, fictitious business name matters, and coordination with county, state, and local agencies as needed
• Assist attorneys in the preparation and review of probate pleadings, petitions, and court documentation
• Manage probate administration tasks including asset inventory preparation, account preparation, and final accounting documents
• Prepare estate information summaries and compile initial probate documentation for client files
• Identify heirs and beneficiaries; verify relationships and inheritance rights
• Maintain comprehensive estate probate files and calendars; ensure timely filing of all required documents with probate court
• Communicate with beneficiaries, heirs, and third parties regarding probate status, timelines, and distribution procedures
• Conduct legal research on California business law, probate matters, trust administration, estate tax issues, California Probate Code provisions, California Corporations Code provisions, and applicable local court rules
• Coordinate with financial institutions, insurance companies, accountants, and other professionals in estate settlement
• Prepare and review Judicial Council forms, probate pleadings, required notices, and supporting documents; obtain signatures and file with the appropriate California courts
• Monitor statutory deadlines, California Probate Code requirements, local probate rules, and court filing requirements to ensure timely compliance
• Assist with estate asset appraisals, inventory documentation, and preparation of estate valuation schedules
• Support estate tax matters and assist with preparation of tax documentation
• Manage and maintain estate probate case files using practice management software

Required Qualifications

• Paralegal qualification pursuant to California Business & Professions Code 6450(c)
• Experience supporting California business entity matters, including Secretary of State filings, corporate governance records, and entity maintenance
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience as a paralegal in business law, probate, trust administration, and/or estate administration
• Strong knowledge of California probate procedures, trust administration, estate administration, California court filing requirements, and business entity maintenance
• Proficiency with legal document drafting and preparation
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple business and estates matters and meet strict court, filing, and transaction deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interact professionally and tactfully with beneficiaries, heirs, and court personnel
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and legal practice management software
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with care and professionalism

Preferred Qualifications

• Paralegal certification (NFPA, NALA, ABA)
• Experience with estate tax matters and federal estate tax documentation
• Experience preparing corporate records, operating agreements, bylaws, minutes, consents, resolutions, closing binders, and transaction support materials
• Familiarity with the California Probate Code, California Corporations Code, Judicial Council forms, California Secretary of State online filings, and local probate court procedures
• Experience with estate asset identification, appraisal, and distribution
• Knowledge of elder law or special needs trusts
• Bilingual capabilities

Technical Skills and Software

• Legal practice management software (Clio, LexisNexis, or similar)
• Document assembly software (NetDocuments, Worldox, or similar)
• Advanced Microsoft Word skills for complex document formatting
• Legal research databases (Westlaw, LexisNexis, CEB)
• Adobe Acrobat and PDF management
• Excellent typing speed and accuracy

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position operates in a professional office environment. Physical requirements include:

• Ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods
• Ability to lift documents and files up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Visual acuity to review detailed legal documents
• Dexterity for keyboard and mouse operation
• Ability to travel to court and client meetings as needed

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k retirement plan with employer matching
• Paid time off and holidays
• On-the-job training and mentorship
• Opportunities for professional growth within the firm

Location: Monterey, CA
Department: Legal
Reports To: Legal Practice Manager
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $56,000 – $60,000, depending on experience

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Entry-Level General Administrative Assistant to support our attorneys and legal team with administrative and clerical tasks. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in the legal field, offering hands-on experience with legal documents, court procedures, and office operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, format, and proofread legal documents, correspondence, and pleadings
• Manage attorney calendars, schedule appointments, and coordinate meetings
• File documents with courts and government agencies (in-person and electronically)
• Answer phones, greet clients, and handle general office correspondence
• Organize and maintain physical and digital case files
• Assist with billing, timekeeping, and expense tracking
• Transcribe dictation and take meeting notes
• Conduct basic legal research under attorney supervision
• Order office supplies and maintain office equipment
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree or certificate in legal studies/paralegal studies preferred
• No prior legal experience required; internships or coursework in legal studies a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Familiarity with legal terminology and court filing procedures is a plus
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Strong time-management skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills

• Experience with legal practice management software (e.g., Clio, MyCase, or similar)
• Typing speed of 60+ WPM
• Notary Public certification (or willingness to obtain)

What We Offer

• Competitive entry-level salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k retirement plan with matching
• Paid time off and holidays
• On-the-job training and mentorship
• Opportunities for professional growth within the firm

Location: Monterey, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay: $50,000 – $65,000, depending on experience

Position Overview

The Staff Accountant plays a key role in the day-to-day financial operations of the firm, with primary responsibility for accounts payable, client billing, matter intake, and other administrative tasks. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who is comfortable wearing multiple hats in a midsize law firm environment and working closely with attorneys and administrative staff to ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and efficient operations.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Payable

• Process vendor invoices, firm expenses, and employee reimbursements
• Ensure proper approvals, coding, and timely payment of bills
• Prepare and process checks, ACH, credit card and other electronic payments
• Maintain vendor files and respond to vendor inquiries
• Reconcile accounts payable and related general ledger accounts
• Process 1099 filings at year-end.

Billing & Accounts Receivable

• Prepare and process client invoices in accordance with engagement terms and firm billing practices
• Work directly with attorneys to finalize billing and resolve billing questions
• Track accounts receivable and assist with follow-up on outstanding invoices
• Post client payments and apply funds accurately
• Support billing adjustments, write-offs, and trust-to-operating transfers

Matter Intake & Client Setup

• Setup new clients and matters in accounting and practice management systems
• Review engagement letters, fee agreements, and trust requirements prior to matter activation
• Ensure accurate billing rates, fee structures, and trust settings
• Maintain and update client and matter records
• Coordinate with attorneys to ensure compliance with firm intake and ethical standards

General Accounting & Firm Support

• Assist with credit card reconciliations
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities
• Maintain organized financial and trust documentation
• Assist with audits, tax preparation, and reporting
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting and billing processes
• Provide administrative and accounting support as needed in a midsize firm setting

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred
• 2+ years of accounting experience; law firm experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience with trust accounting (IOLTA) preferred
• Knowledge of law firm accounting and ethical compliance requirements
• Experience with legal accounting or practice management software (e.g., Clio, Centerbase, ProLaw, Aderant, Elite, or similar)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent communication skills and a high degree of discretion and confidentiality
• Self-starter comfortable working independently in a small firm environment

Work Environment & Requirements

• Primarily office-based with extended computer use
• Some flexibility required during billing cycles and month-end close

Benefits

• 401(k) 5% Match
• Health insurance