Trust and Estate Paralegal

Our client is a New Jersey law firm that provides representation to businesses, families and individuals across a wide spectrum of practice areas. Their attorneys practice within nine core departments and eighteen interdisciplinary practice groups focused on specialized areas of the law. The departments are Corporate, Employment Law, Environmental, Family Law, Healthcare, Litigation, Real Estate, Redevelopment & Land Use, Tax, Trusts & Estates.

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package with excellent benefits, including medical and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan, a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), group life and disability insurance, dependent care benefits, and paid vacation and personal time off.

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Trust and Estate Paralegal to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in trust and estate law, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. This role requires a proactive individual who can support attorneys in all aspects of trust and estate planning and administration.

Key Responsibilities:
Estate Administration: Assist with the administration of estates, including preparing probate documents, collecting and managing assets, and coordinating with financial institutions and beneficiaries.
Trust Administration: Support the administration of trusts, including the preparation of trust accountings, funding of trusts, and distribution of trust assets.
Document Preparation: Draft, review, and file legal documents related to trust and estate matters, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, and probate petitions.
Client Communication: Serve as a point of contact for clients, providing updates on case status, answering inquiries, and scheduling appointments.
Legal Research: Conduct legal research on trust and estate issues, staying current with changes in relevant laws and regulations.
File Management: Organize and maintain client files, ensuring all documentation is complete, accurate, and up-to-date.
Court Filings: Prepare and file documents with probate courts and other relevant agencies, ensuring compliance with court rules and deadlines.
Case Management: Track case progress, manage deadlines, and ensure timely completion of tasks.
Collaboration: Work closely with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to develop and implement effective estate plans and strategies.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree and/or paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program.
Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a paralegal, with a focus on trust and estate law preferred.
Knowledge: Strong understanding of New Jersey probate laws, estate planning principles, and trust administration.
Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools.
Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to interact professionally with clients, court personnel, and colleagues.
Confidentiality: Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and ethical standards.