Trust & Estates Paralegal (Planning & Administration Focus)

Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP • Columbia, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are a growing business and litigation law firm with approximately 200 attorneys across the Mid-Atlantic region. Our dedication to excellence has established us as a leader in the legal industry. Our Trusts & Estates practice advises individuals and families in sophisticated estate planning and complex estate and trust administration matters across Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia.

We are currently seeking a highly skilled and experienced Estates Administration Paralegal to support our Trust and Estates practice group in our Columbia office.

This position focuses on comprehensive estate and trust administration, with meaningful involvement in estate planning matters. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience independently administering probate and trust estates in MD, DC, and VA and independently preparing and filing federal and state fiduciary income tax returns.

The successful candidate will also possess solid working knowledge of estate planning concepts and experience drafting estate planning documents and assisting with trust funding.

This role requires strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex matters with minimal supervision.

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience as a Trusts & Estates paralegal in a law firm.
• Demonstrated ability to independently administer probate and trust estates in MD, DC, and VA.
• Demonstrated ability to independently prepare and file federal and state fiduciary income tax returns.
• Experience drafting estate planning documents.
• Strong understanding of probate court procedures and fiduciary accounting principles.
• Ability to manage complex matters independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong technical knowledge of estate and trust administration.
• Working knowledge of estate planning structures and documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
• Exceptional attention to detail and proofreading skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of organization and ability to prioritize effectively.
• Professional discretion when handling confidential financial and family matters.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program preferred.
• Equivalent experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Independently administer probate estates in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia from opening through final distribution and closing.
• Prepare and file all required probate pleadings, including petitions, inventories, reports, accountings, and related court filings.
• Manage asset collection, valuation coordination, creditor claims, and beneficiary distributions.
• Administer ongoing trusts, including preparing documentation for distributions and maintaining trust records.
• Prepare formal and informal fiduciary accountings.
• Communicate directly with clients, beneficiaries, financial institutions, accountants, and court personnel.
• Track deadlines and ensure compliance with court and statutory requirements.
• Independently prepare and file federal fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041).
• Prepare and file applicable state fiduciary income tax returns.
• Gather and organize financial documentation required for tax filings.
• Monitor tax deadlines and coordinate tax payments.
• Draft estate planning documents, including wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives.
• Assist with preparation of irrevocable trusts and related documentation.
• Support trust funding and asset retitling.
• Prepare estate planning binders and coordinate execution logistics.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical files.
• Record and track billable time.
• Conduct research related to probate and trust matters.
• Proactively manage multiple active matters with minimal supervision.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work within a respected and collaborative Trusts & Estates practice.
• A professional, collegial, fully in-office work environment.

What This Job Offers

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