Paralegal

The Paralegal provides comprehensive support to attorneys on the Private Wealth Management Team, assisting with the probate and administration of estates, conducting research, preparing transfer tax returns, and drafting estate planning documents. The Paralegal works closely with specific matters, clients, projects, and attorneys, leveraging expertise to perform a variety of duties. There is an annual billing requirement of 1,500 hours.

Responsibilities for the private wealth management paralegal are typically given through ongoing engagement. The role’s primary statutory responsibilities are defined below.

• Assist attorneys in managing Private Wealth Management matters, including estate planning, trust administration, and tax compliance.
• Prepare and file tax-related documents and forms, including estate probate filings, estate tax returns, and gift tax returns.
• Manage and update gift tax and probate dockets, including tracking and monitoring filing deadlines.
• Manage estate work, including drafting and filing probate applications, preparing notices to creditors and beneficiaries, filing inventories, obtaining and tracking waivers, and compiling and filing exhibits.
• Draft and review legal documents, such as wills, trusts, contracts, agreements, correspondence, and powers of attorney.
• Prepare and revise stock certificates.
• Assist in the preparation for probate hearings and trials.
• Conduct legal research and analysis to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations and monitor changes in tax and probate laws, communicating updates to the team.
• Collaborate and coordinate with clients, attorneys, and external parties to gather necessary information and documentation.
• Serve as a knowledge resource for group requirements and firm policies and procedures.
• Support attorneys in developing and implementing tax strategies for clients.
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and priorities are aligned.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information with discretion.
• Communicate with court staff and clients to ensure deadlines are met and documentation completed.
• Record wills and orders, prepare title transfer documents (such as distribution deeds, mineral deeds and conveyances, assignments, and homestead exemption applications and related property tax documentation), and handle correspondence with operators.
• Handle hardcopy paper original wills, letters testamentary, deeds and related original documents.

• Knowledge of probate court processes and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail, problem solving and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of utilizing legal research tools and databases as well as tax return and valuation software.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and client interfacing abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Good teamwork skills within and across practice groups, offices, and the firm to facilitate efficient legal service delivery.
• Ability to provide quality client service to both internal and external clients in a professional manner.
• Demonstrate willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Adapt to changing assignments and priorities with readiness.
• Demonstrate initiative in completing routine assignments with minimal supervision.
• Availability to work overtime when necessary or requested.
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research databases (e.g., Westlaw, Lexis Nexis).
• Ability to work in the office to handle original documentation and assist in paper tax filings as applicable.

• Bachelor’s degree or any combination of training, education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Minimum 2-5+ years of experience as a paralegal with a focus on Private Wealth Management.
• Paralegal Certificate from an ABA approved program preferred.

The Firm will comply with any applicable city or state workplace mandates in effect in regards to Covid-19.

This position description is intended to describe the general content of…