The Law Office of David M. Goldman PLLC is seeking an experienced Florida Estate Planning, Probate & Guardianship Paralegal to join our Jacksonville office.

Our firm focuses on estate planning, probate, guardianship, elder law, trust administration, and asset protection. We are looking for a knowledgeable, detail-oriented professional who can take ownership of assigned matters, prepare accurate legal documents, manage deadlines, and communicate effectively with clients.

This is not an entry-level position. The ideal candidate has substantial hands-on experience in a Florida law firm and can handle many aspects of estate planning, probate, or guardianship matters independently, with attorney supervision and review.

We value initiative, attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to recognize what needs to be done without constant direction.

Applicants must have estate planning, probate, or guardianship experience in Florida and have the ability to work in our Jacksonville office.

Key Responsibilities

Estate Planning

• Prepare and revise wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, living wills, and related estate planning documents.
• Draft deeds, trust funding documents, certificates of trust, and supporting instruments.
• Coordinate estate planning document execution, including witnesses, notarization, and recording.
• Assist with trust funding and the transfer of assets into trusts.
• Communicate with clients to collect asset information, beneficiary designations, and other planning details.

Probate and Trust Administration

• Prepare petitions, notices, orders, inventories, accountings, and other Florida probate pleadings.
• Assist with formal and summary administrations from initial filing through closing.
• Maintain probate calendars, track deadlines, and coordinate communications with beneficiaries, personal representatives, and creditors.
• Prepare documents for trust administration, including beneficiary notices, accountings, receipts, releases, and distributions.
• Coordinate with courts, financial institutions, and other professionals.

Guardianship

• Prepare petitions for guardianship, annual plans, annual accountings, inventories, and related court documents.
• Review and reconcile bank statements and financial records for guardianship and probate accountings.
• Monitor reporting deadlines and ensure timely filing of required documents.
• Communicate with guardians, family members, court personnel, and other involved parties.

Case Management and Client Communication

• Maintain organized electronic client files and accurate case management records.
• Prepare and electronically file pleadings using the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
• Manage multiple active matters, prioritize assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients and their families.
• Draft correspondence, obtain records, and follow up on outstanding documents and information.
• Assist attorneys in identifying issues and moving matters toward completion.
• Perform related administrative duties as necessary in a collaborative small-firm environment.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of substantive Florida law firm experience in estate planning, probate, or guardianship; 5+ years strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience drafting legal documents and managing case files.
• Working knowledge of Florida probate, guardianship, or estate planning procedures.
• Experience with the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and electronic document management.
• Excellent organizational skills, written communication, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and follow matters through to completion.
• Professional demeanor and ability to communicate sensitively with clients facing difficult family or legal circumstances.
• Ability to work full-time in our Jacksonville office.

What We're Looking For

Our ideal candidate is someone who:

• Can take an assigned probate or estate planning matter and move it forward without needing step-by-step instructions.
• Produces accurate, well-organized work with minimal revisions.
• Notices missing information, deadlines, or potential problems before they become larger issues.
• Is comfortable speaking directly with clients and following up to keep matters moving.
• Takes ownership of assignments and follows through.
• Enjoys working in a professional, collaborative environment where their contributions make a meaningful difference.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief description of your specific Florida experience in estate planning, probate, or guardianship.

Applicants should identify the types of matters they have handled, the documents they regularly prepare, and their level of responsibility for managing cases.

This position requires in-office work in Jacksonville, Florida. Applicants without relevant Florida estate planning, probate, or guardianship experience will not be considered.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of substantive Florida law firm experience in estate planning, probate, or guardianship; 5+ years strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience drafting legal documents and managing case files.
• Working knowledge of Florida probate, guardianship, or estate planning procedures.
• Experience with the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and electronic document management.
• Excellent organizational skills, written communication, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing deadlines, and follow matters through to completion.
• Professional demeanor and ability to communicate sensitively with clients facing difficult family or legal circumstances.
• Ability to work full-time in our Jacksonville office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in two or more of the following practice areas: estate planning, probate, guardianship, trust administration, and elder law.
• Experience preparing probate or guardianship accountings.
• Familiarity with Florida trust and estate administration procedures.
• Experience preparing and recording Florida deeds.
• Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) designation or formal paralegal education.
• Florida notary public commission.
• Experience with legal practice management software and document automation systems.
• Comfort using modern legal technology, including AI-assisted drafting tools, subject to attorney review and confidentiality requirements.

Relevant hands-on Florida experience is more important than formal certification.

The Law Office of David M. Goldman was founded by lawyers who have been clients in the past. As a result, our services, fees, and business objectives are centered around the client's perspective.

We believe that communication is the key to successful business relationships and will strive to be available to meet your needs in a timely manner. We have AV-rated lawyers who are rated among the best in the country by Martindale and Lawyers.com. Likewise, we are looking for long-term relationships with our employees. If you are looking for more than a job, we would like to welcome you to our family.