Experienced Trusts & Estates Paralegal

The Village Law Firm is seeking a senior trusts and estates paralegal to join our team. As a Senior Paralegal, you will play a vital role in providing our clients with the highest caliber legal services with the goal of protecting and carrying out their legacy.

If you thrive on providing a high caliber of client service without the drama, big egos, and weekend hours of a big firm, this could be a great fit for you!

About Us:

We are a boutique estate planning law firm that serves the legal and wealth planning needs of New York City's artists, entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and other varied and interesting characters who make up this great City. We are a fast-growing law firm that aims to provide a unique, non-traditional client experience and constantly seeks to our client experience and the work experience of our employees.

Our team is fun, friendly, and committed to excellence. As a small group, each person is trusted to work diligently without heavy supervision. We have a collaborative approach which recognizes that all members of our team contribute to the success of our firm and the satisfaction of our clients.

Responsibilities:

• Handle all aspects of estate administration proceedings, including drafting court documents and coordinating the valuation of estate assets, settlement of debts, and distribution of bequests.
• Serve as main point of contact for client communications from engagement to termination of matter.
• Maintain departmental calendars for all estate administration filing deadlines and estate planning matters.
• Prepare Federal and State estate tax returns, gift tax returns, NYS Release of Lien requests, and other administrative filings.
• Prepare informal estate and trust accountings.
• Set and manage client-specific deadlines and follow up diligently with the collection of information.
• Assist with preparation of Wills, Trusts, and other estate planning documents.
• Assist with funding trusts through retitling bank accounts and updating beneficiaries.
• Identify basic holes in client estate plans, e.g., missing a healthcare proxy or doesn’t avoid probate.
• Quote fees, engage new clients, and follow up with prospective clients.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years as a trusts and estates paralegal or equivalent experience in an accounting role.

Technical Experience

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with large estates and the preparation of Federal and State estate tax returns.
• Extensive experience handling probate and trust administration issues, such as preparing Surrogate’s Court filings, obtaining Date of Death valuations, preparing Receipt and Release agreements, obtaining tax ID#s for estates and/ or trusts,

Personality, General Skills, & Work Ethic

• Warm, friendly personality with professional demeanor and presentation.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to interact well with people at all levels, including clients, accountants, lawyers, and financial advisors.
• Technologically savvy and able to learn new software programs quickly.
• Perfect English and impeccable grammar
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Flexibility to operate independently and in a team atmosphere with a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities, with the ability to handle competing priorities and a high caseload of open cases without things falling through the cracks.
• Dependable, highly motivated, and detail oriented.

Benefits

Work Environment

Our law firm provides a supportive and collaborative work environment. We value teamwork, open communication, and a commitment to excellence. We provide the caliber of service and expertise of a large firm, but with a more personal environment and reasonable hours.

If you are a motivated individual who is passionate about helping others and thrives in a client-focused, collaborative environment, we would love to hear from you.

Compensation: $75k-$90k depending on candidate qualifications and in-person availability.

Paid sick and vacation. Generous medical and dental insurance.

Location:

You will be expected to work from our office in midtown Monday through Thursday with the option to work remotely on Fridays.