Trusts & Estates Paralegal in Essex County, NJ

Master Search Solutions•West Orange, NJ

49d•$50,000 - $100,000

About The Position

Our client, a well-established law firm, is seeking a Trusts & Estates Paralegal to join their Essex County, NJ office. This role involves assisting attorneys with all aspects of estate planning and administration, including preparing key legal documents, coordinating with clients and courts, and managing complex files.

Requirements

Experience working in a law firm setting
Experience in trusts and estates planning and administration
Experience preparing documents for attorney reviews (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, federal and state forms, etc.)
Experience with legal and factual research
Experience organizing paper and electronic case files, documents, and folders
Experience assisting attorneys in communicating with courts, clients, vendors, beneficiaries, and tax authorities
Experience managing attorney calendars and deadlines
Bachelor’s degree or Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Proficiency with legal document management systems
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

Certified NJ, NY Notary Public - preferred
Experience preparing documents for litigation (petitions, court papers, etc.) - preferred

Responsibilities

Prepare initial drafts of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives for attorney review
Update and coordinate beneficiary designations to align with estate planning documents
Maintain organized paper and electronic estate planning files
Work closely with attorneys and legal assistants in preparing and finalizing client documents
Track and maintain a list of required gift tax returns
Prepare U.S. Gift Tax Returns (Form 709) and supporting exhibits for attorney review
Monitor and track probate and administration deadlines across multiple estates
Work with clients to gather necessary information for probate or administration
Prepare probate and administration filings; coordinate submissions and follow-ups with the court
Assist executors and administrators in court appearances as needed
Send probate notices and file confirmations with the court
Gather and organize documentation on estate assets and liabilities
Arrange for appraisals of real estate and personal property
Use valuation tools to assess marketable securities (experience with valuation software a plus)
Prepare estate tax returns (Federal Form 706), cost basis forms (Form 8971), and applicable state inheritance or estate tax returns for attorney review
Coordinate responses to tax authority requests and assist with post-filing follow-up
Prepare drafts of waivers, approvals, and accountings for beneficiaries or court submission
Assist with the funding of marital and non-marital trusts and distribution of assets to beneficiaries
Experience with estate-related litigation, petitions, and judicial accountings is a plus
Communicate professionally with clients and outside advisors
Coordinate logistics and assist attorneys during client meetings and document signings
Perform legal and factual research, organize case files, and maintain attorney calendars
Prepare correspondence, reports, and court filings; proofread for accuracy
Coordinate with vendors and internal IT for file or software management needs