Paralegal, Trusts & Estates
About The Position
The Trusts & Estates Paralegal provides substantive legal and administrative support to attorneys in the Trusts & Estates practice. The role assists with all phases of estate and trust administration, including probate and administration proceedings, asset collection and valuation, fiduciary accountings, estate and fiduciary tax matters, and ongoing trust administration. The paralegal is expected to manage multiple matters and deadlines while providing responsive, professional service to attorneys, fiduciaries, clients, beneficiaries, and other parties. The position involves preparing court and fiduciary documents, assisting with estate and trust administration and tax filings, monitoring deadlines, maintaining matter files, communicating with clients and outside parties, and conducting legal and factual research. The paralegal must maintain confidentiality and support the firm’s delivery of sophisticated legal counsel, service, and value. Other duties may be assigned.
Requirements
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree and/or Paralegal Certificate preferred.
- Minimum of three years of current Trusts & Estates paralegal experience preferred.
- Experience with New York probate and administration proceedings and Surrogate’s Court practice strongly preferred.
- Experience preparing or assisting with estate tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, and fiduciary accountings preferred.
- Law firm experience strongly preferred.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, document management systems, and legal research tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and contribute strategically to team objectives.
- Leadership qualities and demonstrated ability to guide, train, and support junior team members.
Nice To Haves
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree and/or Paralegal Certificate.
- At least three years of current Trusts & Estates paralegal experience.
- Experience with New York probate and administration proceedings and Surrogate’s Court practice.
- Experience preparing or assisting with estate tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, and fiduciary accountings.
- Law firm experience.
Responsibilities
- Prepare probate and administration petitions and related documents for filing with New York Surrogate’s Courts.
- Assist attorneys and fiduciaries with estate administration from initial opening through final distribution and closing.
- Review wills, trusts, financial records, and other estate planning and administration documents.
- Assist executors and administrators with identifying, marshaling, valuing, and managing estate assets.
- Prepare asset inventories, valuations, and related schedules.
- Prepare estate and trust accountings, receipts, releases, waivers, and other fiduciary documents.
- Assist with federal and New York State estate tax returns and related filings.
- Assist with fiduciary income tax returns and coordinate with attorneys, accountants, and other tax professionals as appropriate.
- Support ongoing trust administration, including distributions, recordkeeping, beneficiary communications, and fiduciary accounting.
- Monitor matter deadlines, court filing requirements, tax deadlines, and other important dates.
- Communicate professionally with clients, beneficiaries, financial institutions, courts, accountants, and other outside parties.
- Organize and maintain complete and accurate matter files and supporting documentation.
- Assist attorneys with client meetings and gather information and documentation needed to advance estate and trust matters.
- Perform legal and factual research related to estate and trust administration as requested.
- Maintain confidentiality of client and firm information.
- Deliver superior outcomes, service, and value to clients and matters in support of the firm’s reputation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Associate degree
