Trusts & Estates Paralegal

Job Description:

Responsibilities include:

* Assist with handling all aspects of trust and estate administration, including:

* Maintaining checkbook and banking record; paying bills, and computing and disbursing beneficiary distributions; computing and payment of executor and trustee commissions

* Marshaling assets and arranging for valuation

* Interact with clients and court personnel, interface with clients and client advisors; generally provide support to active trust and estates practice

* Compile information required for court filings, returns, accountings, etc.

* Reviewing and interpreting wills and trust agreements, in collaboration with attorneys, to implement the plan during the estate and trust administration process

* Preparation and filing of all documents required to probate wills; preparation of receipt and release agreements, disclaimers, affidavits, accounting petitions

* Estate correspondence, memoranda, and agreements with the ability to revise, format, and finalize these documents

* Establish and maintain paper and electronic files according to current firm policies utilizing the firm's record protocol procedures and document management system

* Preparation of Crummey Notices

* Maintain Will vault and Will database

* Obtain EINs and maintain EIN database

* Manage departmental trackers

* Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

Qualifications:

* Bachelor's Degree or Paralegal Certificate from an ABA approved program

* Proficiency with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Worldox, Nuance, Adobe, Zoom

* Experience with GEMS, NYS Surrogate's Court Hot Docs Program and other estate administration / taxation software a plus

* Self-starter with strong work ethic

* Detail oriented with strong analytical skills

* Ability to work well in a team environment

* Ability to multi task, work independently, prioritize assignments and meet deadlines

* Strong written and verbal communication skills

* Strong interpersonal skills for interaction with clients

* Good understanding of basic business relationships and client confidentiality principles

* Notary Public (or willingness / ability to become a Notary Public)