Senior Trusts & Estates Tax Paralegal

Overview

This role supports estate administration and fiduciary tax matters by assisting attorneys with probate, trust funding, document preparation, tax filings, and client case management. The position is available in multiple office locations, with preferred locations in St. Louis, Missouri or Phoenix, Arizona.

Responsibilities

• Prepare various tax returns, including Estate Tax Returns and Fiduciary Income Tax Returns.
• Maintain financial records of trusts; perform trust accounting; audit accounts.
• Maintain general ledger (G/L) accounts, reconcile broker statements, prepare payables, and handle bank deposits.
• Obtain and reconcile 1099 and K-1 statements.
• Support irrevocable trust funding and administration (post-death).
• Assist with probate administration, including drafting probate pleadings.
• Maintain close personal contact with clients and financial advisors.
• Learn and develop technical proficiency in:
  • Database use and management
  • Internet/electronic research
  • Project folder/electronic file maintenance
• Independently organize and manage files, or delegate similar tasks to appropriate business professionals and supervise as needed.
• Meet annual billable hour requirement of 1600 hours.
• Adhere to quality and attention-to-detail standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in Trusts & Estates, including complex estate and trust administration, as well as estate and fiduciary tax matters.
• Two-year degree required. Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate from an ABA approved program preferred; significant, substantive related experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Proven ability to deliver superior service to internal and external customers and communicate effectively.
• Professional, courteous interactions with clients and employees; professional appearance required.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, continually changing environment and adapt to business demands.
• Ability to produce accurate, efficient work product.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with tax and trust accounting software.
• Experience with document database programs and/or software.
• Significant client case management experience.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally and provide exceptional service internally and externally.
• Highly organized; able to prioritize workflow and manage projects.
• Ability to perform effectively with little or no supervision and within established time limits and ongoing deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity and experience with adopting legal AI; ability to learn and implement new AI preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with skill and experience. The exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.

Expected compensation ranges by location:

• State of California: $88,000 - $180,000
• Cleveland, Ohio: $85,000 - $125,000
• Columbus, Ohio: $82,000 - $121,000
• State of Colorado: $82,000 - $145,000
• State of Connecticut: $70,000 - $178,000
• State of Illinois: $80,000 - $155,000
• State of Maine: $60,000 - $139,000
• State of Maryland: $86,000 - $130,000
• State of Massachusetts: $88,000 - $169,000
• State of Minnesota: $88,000 - $146,000
• Jersey City, NJ: $96,000 - $174,000
• State of New York: $82,000 - $178,000
• State of Virginia: $57,000 - $168,000
• State of Vermont: $87,000 - $168,000
• State of Washington: $86,000 - $164,000
• Washington, DC: $114,000 - $168,000

Location

Open in multiple office locations across the United States. St. Louis, Missouri or Phoenix, Arizona is preferred.

Application Requirements

Please include a cover letter and resume when applying.

Equal Opportunity

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Vet. Principal Applicants Only.