Senior Trust & Estates Paralegal

Bressler Amery & Ross • Florham Park, NJ

20h • $80,000 - $110,000

About The Position

Bressler, Amery & Ross, a dynamic and rapidly growing law firm with a national practice, seeks an experienced Senior Trust & Estates Paralegal to join our Florham Park, NJ office. This is a leadership role for a seasoned professional who will independently manage and oversee complex estate and trust administrations from inception through closing.

Reporting to the Trusts & Estates practice group, this paralegal will serve as the primary administrative lead on estate matters, working closely with Principals and Associates while exercising significant autonomy in day-to-day case management and client communications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; paralegal certificate preferred.
• 8+ years’ paralegal experience.
• Certified New Jersey notary signing agent required.
• Comprehensive knowledge of New Jersey probate procedures and federal and state estate, gift, and inheritance tax requirements. Experience preparing probate applications, complex estate and gift tax returns, state death tax returns, and fiduciary accountings.
• Experience working directly with clients and financial institutions in the administration of estates and trusts.
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to interact professionally with high-net-worth clients, beneficiaries, and external professionals.
• Ability to produce accurate work product; excellent proofreading skills are essential.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and estate administration or tax preparation software.
• Highly organized self-starter who is comfortable managing a substantial caseload.
• Team player in a very busy practice group.

Nice To Haves

• Some experience drafting simple estate planning documents is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage and oversee all phases of estate and trust administration, from preparation of petitions for probate of wills through final distributions and account closings.
• Prepare and file court papers for probate or administration proceedings, appointments or resignations of fiduciaries, disclaimers, inventory, and claims against estates.
• Draft and review formal and informal accountings, releases, and refunding bonds.
• Tax-related preparation, including fiduciary income tax returns, estate and gift tax returns using tax preparation software; communicate with accountants and taxing authorities as needed.
• Extensive client interaction. Serve as primary client contact throughout the administration process; communicate with beneficiaries, financial institutions, and other parties to marshal assets, resolve claims, and facilitate distributions.
• Maintain comprehensive case tracking systems, including spreadsheets, databases, and calendars to ensure compliance with filing deadlines and distribution schedules.
• Support estate planning practice with document preparation and coordination of will and trust executions.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior paralegals and support staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior