Paralegal - Trusts & Estates

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP • Birmingham, AL

1d

About The Position

Position Summary: The Trust & Estates Paralegal plays a vital role as a team member supporting a group of attorneys with the shared goal of providing exceptional service to our valued clients. The Trusts & Estates Paralegal is a multi-dimensional position drawing upon a variety of skills and competencies, best suited for a highly organized, detail-oriented individual who has a deep understanding of the law. Key Responsibilities: Prepare IRS Estate Tax and Gift Tax returns and projections of taxable estate (GEMS-Gillett Estate Management). Prepare securities valuations (EstateVal) and calculations for estate administration (Tiger Tables/Excel). Assist in drafting estate planning documents and related summary illustrations (HotDocs and IGrafx). Assist in drafting/proofing and recording of deeds for estates and individual clients, and complete electronic searches of land records.Prepare and file pleadings for estates in multiple probate courts in Alabama.Communicate with clients, CPAs and brokerage firms regarding estate administration and estate planning matters. Assist with document management, discovery and support as needed for probate and estate contest litigation matters. Meet with attorneys and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects. Serve as liaison between firm, clients, advisors, and beneficiaries. Develop and maintain records regarding billable hours spent on specific matters. Maintain and organize matter files, documents, and correspondence. Monitor and track estate and trust administration developments and ensure timely updates to attorneys and clients. Work as a team with other law firm support personnel to ensure all tasks and assignments have been completed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with ABA paralegal certification or Associates/bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, preferred.
• 2-3 years minimum paralegal experience in Trust & Estates or Tax.
• Detail oriented with strong proofreading skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of legal principles and practices
• Ability to apply understanding and knowledge of the probate process and preparing state, and federal fiduciary income and death tax returns.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Superior interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication across a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys and staff while maintaining high level of work quality and customer service.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion.
• Ability to work moderate overtime.

Responsibilities

• Prepare IRS Estate Tax and Gift Tax returns and projections of taxable estate (GEMS-Gillett Estate Management).
• Prepare securities valuations (EstateVal) and calculations for estate administration (Tiger Tables/Excel).
• Assist in drafting estate planning documents and related summary illustrations (HotDocs and IGrafx).
• Assist in drafting/proofing and recording of deeds for estates and individual clients, and complete electronic searches of land records.
• Prepare and file pleadings for estates in multiple probate courts in Alabama.
• Communicate with clients, CPAs and brokerage firms regarding estate administration and estate planning matters.
• Assist with document management, discovery and support as needed for probate and estate contest litigation matters.
• Meet with attorneys and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects.
• Serve as liaison between firm, clients, advisors, and beneficiaries.
• Develop and maintain records regarding billable hours spent on specific matters.
• Maintain and organize matter files, documents, and correspondence.
• Monitor and track estate and trust administration developments and ensure timely updates to attorneys and clients.
• Work as a team with other law firm support personnel to ensure all tasks and assignments have been completed.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement.
• Professional development support, including CLE tracking and training programs.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees