Senior Paralegal - Trusts & Estates Administrator

Dechert LLP•Philadelphia, PA

2d•$109,000 - $137,000

About The Position

The paralegal will work independently to assist lawyers and provide support to the Private Client Group. Bill 1500 hours annually. Overtime may be required from time to time. Job Description ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Assist with administration of estates and trusts, including preparation of probate petitions and related court filings, collection and valuation of assets, communication with fiduciaries and beneficiaries. Maintain financial records for use in preparation of tax returns and accountings and prepare Orphans’ Court accountings. Prepare tax returns, including Federal Estate Tax Returns, PA, NJ, CT, and NY Estate and Inheritance Tax Returns, Federal Gift Tax Returns, Individual and Fiduciary Income Tax Returns. Assist with Trust administration. Prepare Agreements for informal settlement of accounts for estates and trusts. Organize and maintain extensive files for high net worth individuals and related estates and trusts. Effectively work with attorneys/paralegals/accountants, including communicating regularly regarding status of projects, pointing out issues and tracking deadlines. Effectively communicate with banks, investment firms and clients. Assist with miscellaneous projects assigned by Private Client attorney, accountant and/or practice group director. Practice and foster an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation. Accurately record time spent on billable and non-billable matters and describe work performed. Perform any and all other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Department, Office and Firm. QUALIFICATIONS: Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. Proficiency with computer programs Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.). Excellent typing, spelling and grammatical skills. Ability to manage varied tasks, prioritize deadlines, and work cooperatively within a team is essential. Independent individual with a willingness to learn/acquire new skills. Ability to work productively and cooperatively with other employees. Ability to maintain confidential information. Ability to think critically and analytically in a pressured environment. Bachelor’s Degree required. Paralegal Certificate preferred. Knowledge of accounting and Tax Programs (Zane, CCH Axcess) a plus. Additional Job Description At the time of this posting, the salary range for this position in New York is $109,000 - $137,000 annually. Actual compensation is commensurate with job related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the position. Location(s) New YorkPhiladelphia Time Type Full time Dechert LLP is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination. The Firm prohibits unlawful discrimination in any term or condition of employment against any employee or applicant for employment because of the individual’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, membership or service in the armed forces, or any other characteristic protected by law. Dechert is a global firm of extraordinary people who apply legal knowledge, business insight and practical know-how to serve each other and our clients. We value openness, communication, integrity and honesty, thriving on the individual and collaborative efforts that are essential to producing excellent results. At Dechert, we are committed to attracting a diverse group of highly talented individuals from all sources, regardless of background. We seek to hire men and women with sharp minds, a passion for learning and the skills to deliver a level of client service that is distinctively Dechert. Dechert is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination. We are proud of our firm and want everyone to feel welcome with an equal opportunity to excel. Please use our online careers portal to be considered for current positions. Dechert participates in the E-Verify program. For additional information on this program, click here. By navigating this website and applying for positions with Dechert LLP, you accept that we will process your personal data as explained in our Recruitment Privacy Notice. Please click here to read the Privacy Notice. Thank you for your interest in Dechert. https://www.dechert.com/data-protection-privacy-notice.html California Applicants (CCPA). Please click and read the Privacy Notice. https://www.dechert.com/careers/ccpa.html

Requirements

Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
Proficiency with computer programs Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.).
Excellent typing, spelling and grammatical skills.
Ability to manage varied tasks, prioritize deadlines, and work cooperatively within a team is essential.
Independent individual with a willingness to learn/acquire new skills.
Ability to work productively and cooperatively with other employees.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to think critically and analytically in a pressured environment.
Bachelor’s Degree required.

Nice To Haves

Paralegal Certificate preferred.
Knowledge of accounting and Tax Programs (Zane, CCH Axcess) a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist with administration of estates and trusts, including preparation of probate petitions and related court filings, collection and valuation of assets, communication with fiduciaries and beneficiaries.
Maintain financial records for use in preparation of tax returns and accountings and prepare Orphans’ Court accountings.
Prepare tax returns, including Federal Estate Tax Returns, PA, NJ, CT, and NY Estate and Inheritance Tax Returns, Federal Gift Tax Returns, Individual and Fiduciary Income Tax Returns.
Assist with Trust administration.
Prepare Agreements for informal settlement of accounts for estates and trusts.
Organize and maintain extensive files for high net worth individuals and related estates and trusts.
Effectively work with attorneys/paralegals/accountants, including communicating regularly regarding status of projects, pointing out issues and tracking deadlines.
Effectively communicate with banks, investment firms and clients.
Assist with miscellaneous projects assigned by Private Client attorney, accountant and/or practice group director.
Practice and foster an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation.
Accurately record time spent on billable and non-billable matters and describe work performed.
Perform any and all other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Department, Office and Firm.