Paralegal-Estate Planning & Probate (Full-Time Position)

**Paralegal – Estate Planning & Probate (Full-Time Position)** Would you love to help families in our community do the right thing for the people they love? Do you have experience drafting estate planning and probate documents and take pride in producing precise, high-quality work? Are you self-motivated, detail-oriented, and someone others describe as dependable and easy to work with? If so, you may be the key team member we are seeking. **Heartland Legacy Law** is a family-oriented, entrepreneurial law firm with a mission of making the lives of families better. We are seeking a sharp, driven, and detail-focused **Paralegal** to join our team for the long term to assist with drafting of trusts, wills, and ancillary documents in **WealthCounsel, ADAPT, or ForeTrust** drafting programs. (You MUST be proficient in at least one of these programs. This is a MUST). This is **NOT** an entry-level position. Candidate must be familiar with reviewing design information to interpret needed provisions, creating answer files - including use of scenarios and clauses, generating documents, editing documents - including the use of 'Working docs', and drafting custom language to accomplish specific design goals with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. This is a **full-time position** with meaningful opportunity for professional growth and advancement as our firm continues to expand. Our office is located in **Ames, Iowa**. **Key Responsibilities** * Draft estate planning documents using platforms such as **WealthCounsel, ADAPT, or ForeTrust** * Assist attorneys with estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable laws. * Manage probate case files from inception through completion, including filing petitions, notices, inventories, and final accounts. * Proofread and review documents with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail * Assist attorneys with drafting and assembling comprehensive estate and probate matters * Manage and maintain client files from intake through completion * Interview clients and witnesses to gather relevant information for estate planning or probate proceedings while maintaining professional phone etiquette. * Coordinate document signing and execution * Track deadlines and ensure timely completion of all work * Support general office operations and assist with administrative tasks as needed **Required Qualifications** * **Minimum 3-5 years of experience drafting estate planning documents** * **Experience drafting probate documents, including petitions, reports, inventories, interlocutory reports, and closing documents** * Direct experience with **WealthCounsel, ADAPT, or ForeTrust is required** * **High attention to detail is an absolute MUST** * Strong proofreading and document review skills * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines * Tech-savvy and comfortable working across multiple systems * Ability to work independently while also being a collaborative team player * High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality **Preferred Qualifications** * Experience in an estate planning or elder law practice * Familiarity with probate court procedures and filings * Experience with client relationship management (CRM) systems * Experience with scheduling tools such as Calendly and communication platforms * Background in client service, financial services, or real estate is a plus **Work Environment & Schedule** * **Full-time position (40 hours per week)** * **Typical schedule within business hours (e.g., 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 8:00 AM-4:00PM)** * Consistent daily schedule required * **In-Person ONLY** We are a small but growing team, which means you must be resourceful, proactive, and willing to take ownership of your role. While your primary focus will be drafting and document accuracy, teamwork and flexibility are essential to delivering an exceptional client experience. This is not an entry-level position—precision, efficiency, and accountability are critical to success in this role. **Compensation** * **Salary: Starting at $44,888 annually, depending on experience** * Performance-based bonuses * Opportunity for increased compensation as the firm grows **How to Apply** If you are looking for a long-term opportunity where your work truly impacts families and you can grow professionally, we would love to hear from you. Please submit: * Your resume * A cover letter explaining **why you are a great fit**, including your experience drafting estate planning and probate documents * **Your compensation expectations** **Subject line:** *“I’m THE ONE”* (applications without this subject line will not be reviewed) **Bonus:** Feel free to include a short video introduction so we can get to know you better. Pay: From $44,888.00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) matching * Flexible schedule * Paid time off Work Location: In person