Overview

Our client, a well-established law firm, is seeking a Trusts & Estates Paralegal to join their Essex County, NJ office. This role involves assisting attorneys with all aspects of estate planning and administration, including preparing key legal documents, coordinating with clients and courts, and managing complex files.

Key Responsibilities

Estate Planning Support

• Prepare initial drafts of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives for attorney review
• Update and coordinate beneficiary designations to align with estate planning documents
• Maintain organized paper and electronic estate planning files
• Work closely with attorneys and legal assistants in preparing and finalizing client documents
• Track and maintain a list of required gift tax returns
• Prepare U.S. Gift Tax Returns (Form 709) and supporting exhibits for attorney review

Estate Administration Support

• Monitor and track probate and administration deadlines across multiple estates
• Work with clients to gather necessary information for probate or administration
• Prepare probate and administration filings; coordinate submissions and follow-ups with the court
• Assist executors and administrators in court appearances as needed
• Send probate notices and file confirmations with the court
• Gather and organize documentation on estate assets and liabilities
• Arrange for appraisals of real estate and personal property
• Use valuation tools to assess marketable securities (experience with valuation software a plus)
• Prepare estate tax returns (Federal Form 706), cost basis forms (Form 8971), and applicable state inheritance or estate tax returns for attorney review
• Coordinate responses to tax authority requests and assist with post-filing follow-up
• Prepare drafts of waivers, approvals, and accountings for beneficiaries or court submission
• Assist with the funding of marital and non-marital trusts and distribution of assets to beneficiaries
• Experience with estate-related litigation, petitions, and judicial accountings is a plus

General Support

• Communicate professionally with clients and outside advisors
• Coordinate logistics and assist attorneys during client meetings and document signings
• Perform legal and factual research, organize case files, and maintain attorney calendars
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and court filings; proofread for accuracy
• Coordinate with vendors and internal IT for file or software management needs

Qualifications

• Experience working in a law firm setting
• Experience in trusts and estates planning and administration
• Experience preparing documents for attorney reviews (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, federal and state forms, etc.)
• Experience with legal and factual research
• Experience organizing paper and electronic case files, documents, and folders
• Experience assisting attorneys in communicating with courts, clients, vendors, beneficiaries, and tax authorities
• Experience managing attorney calendars and deadlines
• Bachelor’s degree or Certificate in Paralegal Studies
• Certified NJ, NY Notary Public - preferred
• Experience preparing documents for litigation (petitions, court papers, etc.) - preferred
• Proficiency with legal document management systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary range: $50,000 – $100,000, depending on experience
• Eligibility for discretionary bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package

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