Paralegal - Trusts and Estates
About The Position
The Trusts & Estates Team at Harris Beach Murtha is in search of a Paralegal with a positive, flexible attitude to assist multiple attorneys. This role supports attorneys with a wide range of estate planning and administration matters. The firm is seeking a motivated self-starter with paralegal experience to join an innovative, growing law firm that has been successful for more than 165 years. The firm is committed to an inclusive environment and welcomes applications from diverse candidates with varied backgrounds and skills, including military experience. Harris Beach Murtha Cullina PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Requirements
- 1+ years of experience as a trusts and estates paralegal required
- Experience preparing Surrogate’s Court filings, fiduciary accountings, and tax returns (including Forms 1041, 706, and related New York forms)
- The ability to assist with estate administration, including asset inventory, valuation, distribution, and probate documentation
- Strong organizational, analytical, and proofreading skills to ensure accuracy of legal documents
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a client-focused approach
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- A Notary Public license (or willingness to obtain one after hire)
- Exhibit well-developed interpersonal skills (exude patience and empathy), particularly with clients
- Can manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Complete a minimum 1400 billable hours annually
- Believe in the firm’s core values: integrity, respect, accountability, ingenuity, teamwork, inclusion and engagement
- Enjoy working with diverse personalities within various levels of the firm
Nice To Haves
- 3+ years of experience preferred
- experience with fiduciary income tax preparation and fiduciary accounting software a plus
Responsibilities
- Prepare and file probate documents, fiduciary accountings, and related court filings
- Assist with estate and trust administration, including asset tracking, funding, and beneficiary communications
- Draft and finalize estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations and assist in retitling assets in accordance with attorney direction
- Assemble and organize financial records for fiduciary accountings, estate tax returns, and audits
- Prepare, edit, and review fiduciary accountings, estate tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, and settlement papers for both informal and formal settlement of estates and trusts
- Conduct legal research related to trusts, estates, tax regulations, and case law
- Communicate with clients to gather information, provide updates, and respond to inquiries
- Organize and maintain physical and electronic files to ensure accessibility and accuracy
- Support attorneys with case management and day-to-day administrative needs
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Benefits
- compensation will vary depending upon relevant experience for the position, geographic locations and weekly hours schedule
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
