Estate Administration Paralegal

$70,000 - $95,000/Yr

Jettison - Roseland, NJ

Full-time - Mid Level

Roseland, NJ

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations

About the position

The Estate Administration Paralegal will support attorneys in managing estate administration cases from inception to completion. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of estate law, including the preparation of legal documents, communication with clients and court staff, and ensuring compliance with deadlines. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and possess strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare drafts of Probate documents for attorneys, such as applications, motions, notices, and inventories.
• File pleadings and hearing documents.
• Communicate with court staff and clients.
• Prepare correspondence, meet with clients to notarize, witness, and sign documents, and ensure all deadlines are met.
• Prepare Federal and state estate and inheritance tax returns.
• Prepare estate and trust accountings.
• Prepare appropriate release documents for estate distributions and assist with transfers of estate property to beneficiaries.
• Continuously review and update case progress, determine case closure, and keep matters moving seamlessly.
• Assist in keeping staff, attorneys, and clients on task.
• Assist in preparing Elder Law, Guardianship, and Business Incorporation documents.
• Complete daily tasks and assignments independently with little supervision in a timely manner to meet deadlines.
• Prepare drafts of Estate Planning documents for attorneys, including Wills, various Trusts, and disability planning documents.
• Communicate with clients, witness and notarize documents, and manage the workflow in a timely manner while handling responsibility for the matter.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5+ years relevant Estate Administration experience supporting a legal practice required.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and Kofax [Adobe]; knowledge of ONESOURCE or other estate tax return software a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills are critical.
• Expert ability to manage case files from inception to completion, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the entire estate administration process.
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Strong research, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with diverse attorneys, staff, and clients.
• Excellent grammar, proofreading, and English composition skills are essential.

Nice-to-haves

• Paralegal Certificate (Preferred)

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance