The Estate Planning Paralegal provides critical support to attorneys in managing, coordinating, and administering all aspects of trusts and estates in probate. The role involves a high degree of client interaction and requires professionalism and strict confidentiality. The position requires 1,700 client billable hours annually (approximately 142 hours per month) and offers a hybrid work model, combining on-site and remote work.
Key Responsibilities:
- Trusts and Estates Management: Oversee the administration of trusts and estates in probate, including preparing and filing probate documents to open or close estates and creating necessary legal documents.
- Asset Management: Collect and distribute estate assets, liaise with financial institutions and appraisers, and manage estate checking accounts.
- Tax Compliance: Compile information for annual tax filings, prepare and file state and federal estate tax returns, and coordinate with accountants and auditors as needed.
- Regulatory Compliance: Maintain beneficial ownership records in line with the Corporate Transparency Act and ensure accurate and current documentation.
- Client Communication: Serve as a primary contact for clients, draft correspondence, resolve inquiries, and provide updates on case progress.
- Research and Supervision: Conduct legal research, address probate-related issues, and supervise junior paralegal staff as required.
Required Qualifications:
- Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree with at least five years of progressive trust administration experience is required (preferably in a law firm). Paralegal certification is highly desirable.
- Technical Skills: Expertise in legal research tools like Westlaw, trust-related databases, MS Office, and tax software. Familiarity with estate tax return software is a plus.
- Analytical and Organizational Skills: Strong ability to analyze probate data, meet strict deadlines, prioritize multiple tasks, and provide detailed reports.
Key Competencies:
- High attention to detail, precision, and logical thinking.
- Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while acting independently within the role’s scope.
- Adaptable and proactive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.
Additional Details:
- Occasional travel to other firm locations and overtime may be required.
- Physical requirements include the ability to retrieve and distribute materials up to 20 pounds.
- Comprehensive benefits include medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with employer contributions, generous PTO, parental leave, and short/long-term disability coverage.
This position is ideal for experienced paralegals with a strong background in trust and estate administration, tax compliance, and client relations, offering a professional environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Ascendo is a certified minority owned staffing firm, we welcome and celebrate diversity. Ascendo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex including pregnancy and gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, parental status, military service or any non-merit factor.
