Paralegal - Trust & Estates

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Provide support to our Trust & Estates Practice Group/attorneys. Prepare, review, and interpret estate planning documents, i.e., Wills, Trusts, etc., to effectively determine the course of action required to administer estates and trusts. Accurately prepares court forms for estate and trust administration, guardianships, etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Prepares correspondence, accountings, estate and income tax returns, and asset transfer documents.

2. Draft and finalize Last Will & Testament, Power of Attorney, Living Will, and Health Care Proxy documents.

3. Works independently and makes appropriate decisions within ethical legal parameters set by the firm to perform functions of a paralegal; understands disciplinary rules and ethical boundaries relative to the unauthorized practice of law.

4. Performs legal research and prepare documents for execution and filing; prepares estate, individual income and fiduciary income tax returns taking into account each individual’s income tax circumstances in a manner that minimizes the client’s tax liability.

5. Maintains a heavy caseload in an effective manner and assumes full responsibility of moving a file or case to conclusion with minimal supervision of the responsible attorney.

6. Monitors caseload, meets deadlines, and communicates effectively with attorney(s) and client regarding the file status and any issues that may arise.

7. Identifies problems and recommends appropriate solutions.

8. Opening and closing files (including requesting conflict searches per our firm policy); Intake client information and conducts thorough investigation to gather complete information, documentation and facts necessary to complete the administration of estates and trusts.

9. Prepares and supervises Medicaid applications for client applying for nursing home and community Medicaid coverage to include interaction with the Department of Social Services, client conferences, communications with financial institutions and insurance companies to obtain financial records for lookback period, calculation of estimated NAMI and spousal contributions, calculation of penalty period for transfer of assets, gift/note planning, and any other duties required to qualify client for Medicaid coverage.

10. Prepares documents for Guardianship proceedings to include guardianship appointments and termination, prepares and files Guardianship Annual Reports as required to be filed with the court.

SKILLS:

1. Knowledge of legal principles and practices acquired through formal paralegal training.

2. Ability to read and interpret statutes and case law.

3. Communicates effectively with clients, potential clients, internal and external attorneys and office personnel, court personnel, financial institutions, insurance companies, accountants, government agencies, etc. regarding legal matters to ensure that all matters of decedent’s estate are accurately and properly dealt with.

4. Basic understanding of Microsoft programs and standard office equipment, including copier/scanner/fax machine and a computer.

5. Organize, prioritize and complete numerous tasks under strict time constraints; ability to multi-task, concentrate and pay close attention to detail.

6. Ability to adapt quickly to changing deadlines and being able to think outside the box and apply problem-solving skills calmly.

7. Ability to proof-read and edit correspondence and legal documents; attention to detail is extremely important.

8. Must possess a strong mathematical background to perform complex computations and have knowledge of detailed accounting principles.

9. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and writing skills to communicate effectively and provide information with sensitivity, courtesy, and tact.

10. Extensive knowledge of estate planning and trust & estates law.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma required; AAS degree preferred.

2. Notary Public License highly desired.

3. Paralegal certificate helpful.

4. At least one (1) year of experience helpful.