Estate Paralegal

Summary

Summary:
The Estate Paralegal is responsible for providing paralegal support and assistance to supervising attorneys in all aspects of estate and trust administration within established administrative procedures. The Paralegal maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.

• Prepare and file probate petitions and related probate documents with the Surrogate’s Court. Must have knowledge of the Probate Court process including court filings, including petitions to approve accountings, objections and replies to petitions. Ability to manage calendar notice deadlines.
• Marshal assets by contacting banks, brokerage houses, and appraisers. Open, establish, and maintain estate checking accounts. Pay decedent’s bills and administration expenses. Prepare and file inventory of assets with the Surrogate’s Court.
• Prepare and file Federal and New York state estate tax returns. Compile all information required to prepare annual income tax returns. Prepare and monitor extensions to assure that tax returns are filed by deadline. Review completed tax returns, prepare checks, obtain necessary signatures, and forward to taxing authorities. Forward executed tax returns to accountants; maintain archival files.
• Assure that estate or trust accounts are sufficiently funded to pay expenses. If necessary, communicate with necessary parties to transfer funds between accounts.
• Manage trust and probate administration case matter and deadlines.
• Interpret Wills and Trust document to determine beneficiaries and persons entitled to notice.
• Knowledge of exempt property rules to transfer property without probate.
• Prepare receipts and releases and related settlement documents.
• Preparation of fiduciary accountings.
• Coordinate payments of insurance premiums for trusts that maintain insurance policies. This may involve requesting funds from the client.
• Research and investigate any requests, problems or issues, and resolve with appropriate parties.
• Responsible for client contact and communication to clients.
• Maintain up-to-date time reports to ensure accurate client billing.
• Other duties may be requested and/or assigned.

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or business
• 5+ years of experience in a law firm as a paralegal, in any area of practice, required.
• Effective organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills required.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

$75,000-$80,000 per year