Senior Trusts & Estates Tax Paralegal

Overview

This role supports attorneys in the administration of estates and trusts, including post-death irrevocable trust funding, document preparation, probate administration, and preparation of estate-related tax returns and fiduciary income tax returns.

The position is open in multiple offices across the United States, 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 prepare bank deposits.
• Obtain and reconcile 1099 and K-1 statements.
• Support irrevocable trust funding and administration (post death).
• Assist with probate administration, including drafting of probate pleadings.
• Maintain close personal contact with clients and financial advisors.
• Manage files independently or delegate similar tasks to appropriate business professionals and supervise as needed.
• Meet an annual billable hour requirement of 1600 hours.
• Develop technical proficiency in database use and management, internet/electronic research, and project folder/electronic file maintenance.
• Learn/develop proficiency with legal AI and ability to learn and implement new AI (preferred).
• Maintain attention to detail and quality of work.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to deliver superior service to internal and external customers and communicate effectively.
• Ability to interact professionally and courteously with clients and employees at all times; professional appearance required.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and adapt to changing business demands.
• Ability to produce acceptable work efficiently and accurately, with quality final 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 work effectively with little or no supervision and within established time limits and ongoing deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in Trusts & Estates, including complex estate and trust administration and estate and fiduciary tax matters.
• Proven success working in a fast-paced, continually changing environment.

Compensation & Benefits

Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience. The exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.

Expected compensation ranges for this position in various states and jurisdictions are as follows:

• 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 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

Multiple offices across the United States. Preferred locations: St. Louis, Missouri or Phoenix, Arizona.

Application Requirements & Equal Opportunity

Please include a cover letter and resume when applying.

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