Trust and Estates Paralegal - Private Client Services

Lathrop GPM•Minneapolis, MN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lathrop GPM is hiring a Trust and Estates Paralegal with significant real estate experience to support attorneys in the Private Client Services practice group and assist with client relationships and the practice of law. The position is based in the firm’s Minneapolis, Minnesota office and may be full-time or part-time. The role supports estate planning and administration, real estate transactions, tax filings, probate, trust administration, asset reporting, and client communications. The firm describes its working environment as hybrid and offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Requirements

Formal paralegal training from an accredited program, preferably a four-year degree program, or equivalent relevant experience.
At least three years of experience working as a Real Estate or Trusts and Estates paralegal in a law firm.
Conversant and comfortable with laws governing real estate, trusts, estates, probate, and estate planning.
Outstanding interpersonal and client service skills.
Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and execute numerous tasks under tight time constraints.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently as a team player in high-pressure, time-sensitive situations.
Intermediate technical knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Willingness to continue professional development as needed and requested by management.

Nice To Haves

CPA license.
Basic technical knowledge of Simplifile or CCH.

Responsibilities

Prepare, review, and manage real estate documents, including purchase agreements, deeds, leases, mortgages, promissory notes, closing documents, and related transactional materials.
Conduct title and survey reviews; analyze title commitments and recorded documents; and coordinate resolution of title issues with title companies and other parties.
Coordinate real estate transactions and closings within trusts and estates, including checklists, escrow instructions, closing statements, post-closing documents, recordings, and related materials.
Review legal descriptions, plats, parcel maps, and surveys for accuracy and compliance.
Coordinate with clients, lenders, title companies, surveyors, governmental agencies, and other transaction participants.
Prepare and file federal and state estate tax returns and federal gift tax returns.
Obtain federal tax identification numbers for estates and trusts, notify taxing authorities of fiduciary capacity, and review existing tax returns for estate, trust, and tax planning matters.
Assist with probate administration from commencement through closing, including preparing and electronically filing court documents, coordinating notices, preparing inventories and accountings, addressing creditor-claim documents, maintaining financial records, and tracking administration activities.
Assist clients with personal representative duties and probate procedures.
Assist with administration of revocable and irrevocable trusts, including after a trustor’s death; prepare administrative documentation; support trustees’ fiduciary responsibilities; coordinate administration with attorneys; and support related court proceedings and filings.
Collect, organize, and verify estate and trust asset information for court filings, accountings, and tax returns; review financial statements; and obtain and maintain financial information with relevant parties.
Prepare annual accountings for court filing or beneficiary reporting, as applicable.
Coordinate asset transfers, titling, and distributions for estates and trusts, including funding revocable trusts.
Assist clients with life insurance, investment, and other asset-related claim forms and documentation.
Communicate with clients, beneficiaries, trustees, attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, brokers, court personnel, and other third parties about estate, trust, tax, and real estate matters.
Participate in attorney-client meetings and assist with information gathering, document execution, and matter progression while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Review and analyze wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents.
Assist with preparation and electronic filing of pleadings and related documents for trust proceedings, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Maintain dockets and calendars to monitor court dates, filing deadlines, and other important events.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.