Senior Trusts & Estates Tax Paralegal

Overview

This role supports estate administration and related fiduciary tax matters by assisting attorneys with trust and estate operations, document preparation, probate processes, estate-related tax filings, and client case management.

The position is available in multiple office locations across the United States. Location in either St. Louis, Missouri or Phoenix, Arizona is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare various tax returns, including Estate Tax Returns and Fiduciary Income Tax Returns.
• Maintain financial records of trusts, perform trust accounting, and audit accounts.
• Maintain general ledger (G/L) accounts, reconcile broker statements, prepare payables, and record bank deposits.
• Obtain and reconcile 1099 and K-1 statements.
• Assist with irrevocable trust funding and administration (post-death).
• Support probate administration, including drafting of probate pleadings.
• Maintain close contact with clients and financial advisors.
• Meet annual billable hour requirement of 1600 hours.
• Develop and maintain technical proficiency in:
  • Database use and management
  • Internet/electronic research
  • Project folder and electronic file maintenance
• Independently organize and manage files, or delegate similar tasks to appropriate business professionals and supervise as needed.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and produce quality work.
• Learn and implement new AI tools; familiarity and experience adopting legal AI is preferred.
• Perform 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 in a team and adapt to changing business demands.
• Ability to produce work efficiently and accurately with a high-quality final product.

Position-Specific Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in Trusts & Estates, including complex estate and trust administration and estate/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.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proven success working in a fast-paced, continually changing environment.
• Ability to prioritize with excellent time management.
• 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 while providing 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.

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 U.S. office locations. St. Louis, Missouri or Phoenix, Arizona preferred.

Additional Information

• A cover letter and resume are required when applying.
• The firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow individuals with a disability to apply for and/or perform essential job functions.
• EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Vet. Principal Applicants Only.