Estate Settlement Associate / Paralegal

General Job Summary

Aid in estate administration by supporting Trust Counsel, Trust Coordinator, and Officers. Ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulatory agencies.

Organizational Duties And Responsibilities

• Support the Bank's mission, vision, and philosophy.
• Comply with organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory agencies.
• Provide support to other Trust personnel as necessary.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Gather, review, and organize decedent’s financial/personal information.
• Secure and preserve decedent’s real and personal property.
• Communicate with attorney of record throughout the estate process.
• Locate and collect decedent’s assets and personal property, including real estate, vehicles, jewelry, guns, coins, investment accounts, bank accounts, life insurance policies, annuities, etc.
• Aid in transfer of special assets, such as real estate, closely held businesses, savings bonds, mineral rights, etc.
• Draft probate pleadings, including Petition, Inventory, Settlements, etc.
• CANCEL or transfer utilities, insurance, and other services as needed.
• Maintain frequent and effective communication with decedent’s family and beneficiaries.
• Work with tax department and CPA regarding tax filings, including compiling required documents and information.
• Manage file systems, both paper and digital.
• Assist with compliance checklists and estate reviews.
• Perform other estate administration functions as needed.

Working Conditions

Office environment.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Post-secondary education or paralegal certification/degree preferred.
• Experience: 2–3 years in a paralegal, trust, or related legal support role preferred.
• Paralegal certificate or degree, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience preferred.

Specific Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent grammar and business writing skills.
• Ability to analyze and summarize wills, trusts, and related court documents.
• Willingness to learn new concepts.
• Effective and proactive communication skills, both written and verbal, with all levels of personnel and clients.
• Cultivate positive client relationships.
• Execute tasks according to their priority.
• Ability to foster teamwork and camaraderie.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive issues tactfully.
• Detail-oriented.
• Self-motivated and dependable.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily sedentary work performed in an office environment.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Frequent use of vision to read computer screens, printed documents, and financial data.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 10–15 pounds occasionally (e.g., files, office supplies).

Benefits

• 401(K) with a company match of up to 6%.
• ESOP employer match.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Cancer/Disease insurance.
• Accident insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Flexible Savings Accounts.
• Health Savings Accounts.
• Bank paid Life/AD&D insurance.
• Voluntary Life/AD&D insurance.
• Bank paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.