Tax Trusts and Estates Paralegal
Location: NJ Office
Classification: Non-Exempt
As a key member of the Tax Trusts and Estates team, you will support attorneys by handling all aspects of estate and trust administration. You will focus on accuracy, process improvement, and superior client service. Responsibilities include:
Manage estate and trust account checkbooks for fiduciary attorneys
Process checks for estate expenses, distributions, and other disbursements
Reconcile bank statements and maintain organized financial records
Help develop internal accounting systems and streamline accountings
Communicate with clients, beneficiaries, accountants, and financial advisors
Maintain accurate, up-to-date client files and documentation
Gather probate and non-probate asset information and valuations
Prepare asset and liability inventories
Assist with estate accountings and tax return filings (IRS Form 706, NJ IT-R, NY ET-706, etc.)
Track income and distributions, and maintain accurate trust records
Assist with trust accounting filings
Prepare estate tax projections and expense estimates in coordination with attorneys
Draft correspondence and template-based legal documents
Assist with surrogate’s court filings and related procedures
Perform process-specific research (e.g., apostilles, court forms, service of process)
Support electronic and physical filings with surrogate’s courts
Minimum 5+ years of Tax Trusts and Estates paralegal experience in a law firm
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and/or Paralegal Certificate required
Strong understanding of estate and trust administration procedures
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel) and iManage
Outstanding attention to detail and ability to handle complex financial and legal data
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with a high degree of professionalism
Ability to perform under pressure and manage multiple high-volume matters
A team player who can also work independently with minimal supervision