Private Client Paralegal – Tax Specialist

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares federal estate tax returns (Form 706), including compilation of asset information, review of valuations, portability elections, deductions, and supporting schedules.
• Prepares federal gift tax returns (Form 709), including split-gift elections and lifetime exemption tracking.
• Prepares fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041) and related state filings in coordination with supervising attorneys.
• Reviews prior tax returns and financial documentation to support attorneys in estate planning strategy and generation-skipping transfer tax analysis.
• Gathers and analyzes financial records necessary for tax compliance, coordinating with clients, financial institutions, appraisers, and other advisors.
• Maintains organized tax workpapers and supporting documentation consistent with Firm standards and regulatory requirements.
• Affords assistance with trust and estate administration matters, including drafting routine probate pleadings, inventories, accountings, and related documentation as appropriate.
• Collaborates in trust funding and asset transfers, including communication with banks, brokers, insurance companies, and other third parties.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Must possess a high level of professionalism and interpersonal skills so as to be able to work well with client, client advisors and employees at all levels within the organization and maintain all information in the strictest of confidence.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Must have strong technical skills including Adobe and the ability to quickly learn new technology.
• Must have the ability to read, write and communicate in fluent English; ability to analyze complex documents and compose documents in the appropriate business style using correct grammar and spelling; ability to communicate clearly using proper grammar and diction over the telephone.
• Must be detail-oriented and have excellent organizational skills; ability to balance multiple projects, work independently and have strong time management skills, as well as prioritize workload.
• Must be a dynamic and creative thinker, and adept at solving problems.
• Must have ability to reason and apply common-sense understanding to situations encountered. Ability to process routine daily functions while being able to resolve sensitive issues and complex assignments utilizing above-average critical thinking skills.
• Must be proactive communicating issues relating to assignment expectations and the ability to meet deadlines or expectations.
• Ability to work overtime or travel as needed.

Experience And Education

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree required.
• Paralegal certificate preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in estate, gift, and fiduciary income tax preparation, including substantial experience preparing Forms 706, 709, and 1041 required.
• Experience in a law firm, accounting firm, or other professional services environment strongly preferred.