Job Summary
The Trusts & Estates Paralegal provides substantive legal and administrative support to attorneys in the Trusts & Estates practice. This position assists with all phases of estate and trust administration, including probate and administration proceedings, asset collection and valuation, fiduciary accountings, estate and fiduciary tax matters, and ongoing trust administration.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to independently manage multiple matters and deadlines while providing responsive and professional service to attorneys, fiduciaries, clients, beneficiaries, and other parties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare probate and administration petitions and related documents for filing with New York Surrogate’s Courts.
- Assist attorneys and fiduciaries with the administration of estates from initial opening through final distribution and closing.
- Review wills, trusts, financial records, and other estate planning and administration documents.
- Assist executors and administrators with identifying, marshaling, valuing, and managing estate assets.
- Prepare asset inventories, valuations, and related schedules.
- Prepare estate and trust accountings, receipts, releases, waivers, and other fiduciary documents.
- Assist with federal and New York State estate tax returns and related filings.
- Assist with fiduciary income tax returns and coordinate with attorneys, accountants, and other tax professionals as appropriate.
- Support ongoing trust administration, including distributions, recordkeeping, beneficiary communications, and fiduciary accounting.
- Monitor matter deadlines, court filing requirements, tax deadlines, and other important dates.
- Communicate professionally with clients, beneficiaries, financial institutions, courts, accountants, and other outside parties.
- Organize and maintain complete and accurate matter files and supporting documentation.
- Assist attorneys with client meetings and gather information and documentation needed to advance estate and trust matters.
- Perform legal and factual research related to estate and trust administration as requested.
- Maintain confidentiality of client and firm information.
- Uphold the firm’s reputation as the premier source for sophisticated legal counsel by delivering superior outcomes, service, and value to every client and matter.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Qualifications and Requirements
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree and/or Paralegal Certificate preferred.
- Minimum of three years of current Trusts & Estates paralegal experience preferred.
- Experience with New York probate and administration proceedings and Surrogate’s Court practice strongly preferred.
- Experience preparing or assisting with estate tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, and fiduciary accountings preferred.
- Law firm experience strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, document management systems, and legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis).
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proven ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and contribute strategically to team objectives.
- Leadership qualities with a demonstrated ability to guide, train, and support junior team members.
Physical Demands
- This role primarily involves sitting at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
- Employees are expected to use a computer, telephone, and other office equipment.
- Frequent use of hands for typing, using a mouse, and operating office equipment (e.g., printers, fax machines) is required.
- The role may require occasional lifting of office supplies or files, typically not exceeding 25 pounds. This could involve moving boxes of documents or other office materials.
