Paralegal (Trusts & Estate Planning)

Goodwin Procter•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Trusts & Estate Planning Paralegal works with attorneys and clients to provide high-quality, cost-effective legal services and develop substantive and institutional knowledge in the trusts and estate planning practice. The role supports estate administration, Probate Court proceedings, tax matters, and trust administration, including coordinating financial activity and preparing accountings and related documents. The paralegal handles complex matters or fact patterns with attorney supervision, applies knowledge gained across assignments to improve efficiency, stays informed about legal developments, and independently addresses unexpected project issues.

Requirements

Three or more years of experience preferred.
Paralegal experience or qualifying work experience at a law firm or bank/trust company preferred.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
High level of attention to detail.
Ability to handle multiple responsibilities.
Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel required.
Notary appointment or willingness to obtain an appointment.
Independent understanding of basic ideas and/or legal concepts involved in likely assigned matters preferred, and willingness to seek information on assigned matters.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree preferred.
Familiarity with SEI/SWP is a plus.
Paralegal experience or qualifying work experience at a law firm or bank/trust company preferred.
Independent understanding of basic ideas and/or legal concepts involved in likely assigned matters preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct estate administration and Probate Court activities, including preparing trust and estate accountings, maintaining estate financial records, calculating heirs’ distributive shares, and maintaining and updating form files.
Prepare documents for Probate Court filing and manage formal and informal probate processes.
Obtain certified copies of death, will, and marriage certificates; arrange appraisals and bonds; and make preliminary tax estimates.
Perform other duties related to estate administration.
Assist with fiduciary income and charitable tax returns, coordinate estimated and tax payments, prepare initial drafts of gift and estate tax returns, and assist with estate tax return audits.
Coordinate trust account activity through online bank and investment systems, including funding, distributions, and expense payments, in collaboration with trustees and firm accounting personnel.
Prepare and review trust accountings and financial summaries.
Assist trustees with other aspects of trust administration.
Apply knowledge gained from prior assignments to similar and, at times, different tasks to create efficiencies.
Handle complex matters or fact patterns with attorney supervision.
Stay informed about changes in law relevant to the practice area.
Independently handle unexpected issues that arise during projects.