Paralegal - Private Client

Key Responsibilities

• Drafts petitions, annual/final accountings and statements of account or final settlement, final receipts, and related documentation all in connection with probate estates (supervised or unsupervised) and informal/small estate proceedings.
• Covers preparation or acquisition of various estate documentation, coordinates appropriate publications and notifications regarding the estate.
• Contacts and coordinates with probate court on administration of probate estates.
• Aids clients with initial funding of trusts.
• Contacts and coordinates with insurance companies to assist with transferring ownership of policies and updating beneficiary designations, including obtaining policy valuations for gift tax preparation.
• Contacts and coordinates with banks, brokers, and other financial institutions to collect information about client assets and transfer such assets.
• Prepares and coordinates the execution and recording of deeds and other necessary documents as needed in accordance with estate plans.
• Covers the transfer of assets into and out of trusts, including bank accounts, stock transfers and real estate deeds.
• Covers the coordination and/or execution of distributions to trust beneficiaries.
• Performs routine trust reporting functions, including inventories, annual reconciliations and annual trust accountings.
• Analyzes past tax returns and other financial records and participates in the development of financial analyses and tax plans by considering gift, estate, generation-skipping transfer and state and federal income taxes.
• Reviews and manages tax documentation for use in connection with tax planning and compliance.
• Prepares tax returns including fiduciary income tax return, individual income tax returns, estate tax returns, and gift tax returns.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when interacting with clients, advisors, and firm team members.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and Adobe; able to learn new technologies quickly.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree (or higher) or a Paralegal Certification required.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• In lieu of the education requirements, qualifying experience under 5 ILCS 70/1.35 for paralegals practicing in Illinois may be considered.
• Substantial equivalent experience in Private Client work will be considered in lieu of education.
• Legal experience in another capacity may also be considered toward qualification for the role.

Compensation

For applicants that meet the experience requirements for the role and are physically based in Chicago, IL, the expected salary range is $84,000 - $100,000 annually upon commencement of employment. Starting salary will be determined on an individualized basis with consideration to prior experience and additional qualifications.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance & ADD policies
• Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) Profit Sharing plans
• Parking/Transportation Stipend
• Section 125 Plan (Pre-tax premiums and medical reimbursement)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• College Savings Plan Deductions (529 Plans)