Estates Planning Paralegal

Offit Kurman is currently seeking to hire an estates and trusts paralegal to provide comprehensive support to attorneys in the administration of estates, trusts, and other related legal matters. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively. Ideal candidates will have seven or more years of experience as a paralegal in a law firm or corporate legal department, with a focus on estates and trusts as well as tax law. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; Paralegal certification preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the administration of estates and trusts, including preparing court filings, maintaining records.


• Calendar due dates for court and tax filings for estates.


• Coordinate the retitling of assets in decedent’s estates, including real estate, securities, and other assets.


• Communicate with financial institutions regarding account ownership, opening new accounts, and closing accounts


• Obtain Employer Identification Numbers from IRS


• Draft correspondence and maintain regular communication with Executors, Trustees, beneficiaries, and other relevant parties.


• Communicate accountants and tax professionals to ensure accurate and timely tax filings.


• Draft basic estate planning documents including advanced directives (POA/HCP/LW) and trust fund letters. Familiarity with ILS a plus.


• Finalize estate planning documents for signing appointments.


• Coordinate the funding of revocable and irrevocable trusts, including deed preparation and funding relating to co-op apartments.


• Serve as a point of contact for clients, responding to inquiries and providing updates on the progress of cases.


• Track and record a combined total of 7.5 hours (billable and non-billable) daily for client matters, ensuring timely entry of hours into the billing system in accordance with firm guidelines.


• Meet or exceed individual billable hour goals (1200 billable hours annually), ensuring accurate time tracking and timely submission of billable work to support the firm's revenue objectives.


• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements:

• Knowledge of estate administration in New York (familiarity with estate administration in New Jersey is a bonus).


• Experience drafting advanced directives (POA/HCP/LW)


• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong attention to detail.


• Ability to analyze and synthesize information from various sources and present findings clearly.


• Adhere to paralegal code of ethics, maintaining client confidentiality and professional integrity.


• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential information.


• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and independently.


• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws and legal procedures.

The candidate will be required to work onsite five days per week during a 60-day trial period, with the ability to transition to a hybrid remote schedule upon successful completion of the trial period.

Salary range: $120,000- $130,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.