Trust & Estates Paralegal

About the role

The Trusts & Estates Paralegal provides legal and general support to the firm's attorneys and clients under general supervision and in alignment with established policies and procedures. This role requires familiarity with the firm's internal guidelines, a commitment to following them, and maintaining positive working relationships with attorneys, support staff, clients, and vendors. Confidentiality in all client and firm matters is essential. The position is dynamic, and duties may evolve based on the needs of the firm.

Responsibilities

• Administer trust accounts for the wealth preservation practice group
• Manage bookkeeping, distributions, and record-keeping for trust and estate accounts
• Prepare and review annual trust account statements
• Prepare Estate and Gift Tax returns
• Oversee tax filings and court submissions, including probate and other estate and trust-related surrogate's court filings
• Compile documentation for gifts to trusts
• Implement and manage trust and estate distribution policies
• Monitor investment strategies and analyze monthly trust statements
• Create and manage budgets to forecast trust income, expenses, and beneficiary distributions
• Draft trust agreements and related legal documents
• Process trust-related payments, including checks and letters of authorization for distributions and expenses
• Provide administrative support to ensure trustee compliance with fiduciary obligations and executor compliance
• Prepare reports for trust accountants and financial advisors
• Maintain regular communication with trustees, trust grantors, beneficiaries, and beneficiaries
• Collaborate effectively with attorneys, staff, and clients

Duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree and paralegal certificate required; comparable relevant legal experience may be considered in lieu of a paralegal certificate
• At least 7 years of experience as an Estate and Trust Administrator/Paralegal in the areas of accounting, tax, trust, or estates

Skills

• Experience with programs such as UltraTax for preparing fiduciary income tax and estate tax returns, as well as Excel and accounting software
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively at all organizational levels
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Flexible and adaptable, able to thrive in an environment with constantly changing priorities
• Keen problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities with solutions-oriented thinking
• Ability to work under pressure with composure and resilience in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion and adapt to changing work situations

Essential Job Functions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged use of hands, fingers, and wrists, including extensive computer use
• Proficiency in using technology, including computers, telecommunication devices, and other office equipment
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed to meet business demands

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of four full days per week in the office. Specific scheduling details will be discussed with your direct supervisor. Occasional extended hours may be needed to meet business needs.

Pay

This is a non-exempt position. The hourly wage range for this role is $54.35 to $66.67, with an estimated annual compensation range of $106,000 to $130,000, based on expected hours.

Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Virtual Health Services
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
• Transportation Benefit
• Back-up Child Care Services
• College Coach Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
• Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)
• Tuition assistance