Paralegal | Estate and Probate | West Palm Beach

About the role

Shutts & Bowen LLP is seeking a full-time, experienced, highly organized, and detail-oriented Estate and Probate Paralegal to join our Private Client Services group in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain probate files.
• Draft, revise, and file probate documents such as petitions, orders, inventories, and accountings.
• Ensure all probate documents are filed with the court on time and track deadlines.
• Monitor probate proceedings and update attorneys accordingly.
• Maintain current knowledge of the rules of procedure governing probate courts, including the procedures to file pleadings with different courts in compliance with individual court requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Handle written and oral correspondence with clients, attorneys, and court personnel.
• Prepare IRS forms including federal Estate and Gift Tax returns (IRS Form 706 US. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Returns, Form 709 and Form 1023 (Application for Tax-Exempt Status) and related documents.
• Work closely with clients to answer general questions regarding status of administration and related assets.
• Prepare various corporate documents, including formation of various business and family entities (corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships), transfers to and from such entities, transfer of ownership interests to various trusts, and drafting resolutions, and maintaining equity or stock ledgers.
• Tracking and billing time to client files.
• Managing electronic case files.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including extensive knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel and experience working with law firm case management and billing software required.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and time constraints.
• Ability to effectively balance assignments and workflow.
• Ability to multitask and handle multiple responsibilities and high volume is crucial.
• Strong attention to detail, initiative, and follow-through required.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly express thoughts to others and exchange information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, vendors, and the public.
• Significant client facing experience.
• Familiarity with financial documents and tax returns.

Qualifications

• Must have bachelor’s degree or comparable experience.
• Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) preferred.
• Must have a minimum of five years of law firm administrative experience, preferably ten or more as a probate paralegal.
• Trust and estates experience in Florida preferred.
• Large law firm experience is desired.

Skills

• Proactive approach to handling complex estate and probate cases.
• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Clear communication skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package.

Pay

• $80,000 - $100,000 annually.

Schedule

• Full-time position.