Trust Administration Paralegal

CunninghamLegal•San Rafael, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for daily activities of Trust Administration and attorney support, handling client meetings/telephone inquiries, preparing all documentation to support clients and trustees in administering trusts and estates, review and update master documents as needed, research legal issues. In this role the Paralegal will work 2 days in office and 3 days from home.

Requirements

Interpersonal skills including telephone and meeting etiquette; oral and written communication skills; comprehension of legal terminology; ability to issue spot complex issues; legal document drafting skills; strong attention to detail and organization; efficient in time management and administering and executing tasks; strong proofreading and grammatical skills; computer literacy, including, but not limited to Word and Excel; and, ability to maintain and handle sensitive and private client information.
High School Graduate
Paralegal Certificate
Possess a valid CA Driver’s License with valid car insurance and be able to drive to other work locations or to notarize for Clients, if needed.

Responsibilities

Analyze trust provisions following initial Trust Administration consultation and initiate preparation of “Trust Administration Attorney Summary” for completion by Lead Attorney’s review.
Prepare and send Welcome Email to Trustee to develop relationship
Preparation of Letter of Instruction to Trustee RE: Trust Administration Process.
Preparation of TA Merge file, which includes preparation of the following documents:
Authorization to Release Information.
Certification of Trust.
Notification by Trustee pursuant to PC 16061.7/15800 and cover letters to persons entitled to notice.
Notice to the Director of Healthcare Services.
Notice to Franchise Tax Board.
Notice to Credit Bureaus.
Instruction Letter to Superior Court (Lodging of decedent’s original Last Will).
Real Property Transfer Work (Per Property):
Affidavit – Death of Trustee.
Grant Deed.
Applicable Assessor forms: COS, PCOR, applicable Proposition forms; Homeowner’s Exemption.
Prepare calculations related to Proposition 19 for analysis by Lead Attorney.
Work closely with bridge loan officers to ensure that proper documentation is prepared and timely filed, as needed
Small Estates Affidavit pursuant to PC 13100.
Communicate with Trustees telephonically, electronically and in-person.
Meet with Trustees for necessary signing appointments.
Communicate with outside professionals and agencies (i.e., Attorneys, Appraisers, Tax Preparers, Assessors, Recorders, financial and real estate Brokers and Escrow officers etc.).
Run Estate Valuation Pricing (EVP) to document adjusted cost basis of securities, as necessary.
Obtain title reports and vesting deeds, when needed.
Preparation of date of death value Inventory and Appraisements and Allocation of Assets pursuant to the terms of the Trust.
Prepare documents required to establish sub-trusts (i.e., Certifications of Trust, SS-4 Forms to obtain Taxpayer ID Numbers, and Acceptance/Appointment of Trustee)
Preparation of trust distribution summaries, waivers, and receipts etc.
Preparation of Federal Estate Tax returns (Form 706), 709 returns, and Accountings.
Probate support, as needed.
Assemble Trust Administration Legacy Binder with all documentation related to the TA and preparation of Closing Letter for Lead Attorney’s approval.
Assist Attorney with Trust Petitions, which includes:
Initial drafting, editing, and formatting.
Drafting of required Court documents (i.e., Case coversheets and Notice of Hearing).
Communicating with Trustee, beneficiaries, heirs, and entities.
Drafting of waivers and consents.
Electronic and hardcopy filing of petitions.
Reviewing Probate Notes and communicating with Probate Attorney.
Drafting and filing of Supplements.
Drafting formal Court Orders and Notice of Entry of Order.
Obtaining certified Court Orders.
Recording Orders with respective Counties, as needed.
Continuing Legal Education, as required.
Retain membership as a CA Notary Public (Attend required seminars and take required tests).
Assess Trustee assets and Beneficiary’s inherited assets for potential referral to Ascent Wealth Management.
File organization and maintenance.
Scan various documents to client server file and make copies for files.
Enter billable and nonbillable time in Abacus.
Review monthly Prebills to ensure entries are clear and concise.
Update on Lawcus all client information, file notes and important deadlines.
Weekly staff meetings.
Coordinating with support staff, as needed.
Back-up phones for as needed.
All other projects as assigned.