Trust & Estates Paralegal
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
The candidate will work closely with clients, attorneys and others in the Trust & Estates practice group. Responsibilities include all facets of trust and probate administration, including meeting with clients, trustees and family members; communicating with beneficiaries; drafting correspondence and legal documents; preparing deeds, asset spreadsheets and probate pleadings; preparing federal estate tax returns and gift tax returns; preparing fiduciary income tax returns for estates and trusts; preparation and review of annual trust accountings; reviewing bank and brokerage statements; notarizing documents; and organizing and maintaining client files.
Duties will include:
- Research, draft and file probate court documents
- Compile information, computations and draft federal and state estate tax returns
- Compile information, computations and draft federal gift tax returns
- Marshalling the collection and transfer of assets, payment of debts and administration expenses and the distribution of assets to beneficiaries for probate estates and funded trusts
- File wills in appropriate counties
- Prepare deeds
- Ensure proper docketing and timely filing of all tax returns and court papers
- Prepare and send correspondence, including composing transmittal letters, etc.
- Communicate with banks, other financial institutions and relevant parties to assist with administration of trust
- Prepare Guardianship/Conservatorship forms and assist with all necessary filings with the Court and CAAP
- Prepare and coordinate requests for duplicating, messenger delivery, word processing, special mail handling, accounting and other office services
- Meet with clients and attorneys concerning the estate and/or trust
- Accurate recording of time for billing purposes
Desired Skills and Experience:
- College degree and paralegal certificate or equivalent
- Minimum of 5 years' experience as a paralegal with a law firm or financial institution, specializing in the areas of probate estate administration
- Experience in preparation of probate court documents including opening and closing court papers, inventories and accounts
- Proficient in administration of probate estates and funded trusts, including the collection and transfer of assets, the payment of debts and administration expenses and the distribution of assets to beneficiaries
- Experience in preparation of federal estate tax returns
- Experience in preparation of federal gift tax returns preferred
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and probate court e-filing software
- Notary or willingness to become notary preferred
Interested candidates should submit a resume via email to debra.hartfiel@maslon.com.