Estate/Trust Administration Paralegal

Essential job Functions/Core Duties

The Estate/Trust Administration Paralegal will provide full-time support to our Raleigh Estate Planning and Administration practice. Specific examples of typical duties include:

• Professional and friendly interaction with clients and other team members via phone, email and in person.
• Prepare electronic and written correspondence; Process incoming and outgoing mail and filings.
• Review trusts, wills, powers of attorney and other estate planning documents; Review and analyze financial statements, beneficiary forms, etc.
• Prepare and file probate forms, applications, inventories, accountings, renunciations, schedules, petitions and orders.
• Prepare trust administration documents, obtain federal EINs, trust accountings, deeds, etc.
• Assist clients with gathering and managing assets, paying debts and creditors, preparing necessary financial forms, etc.
• Open, maintain and close client files (electronic and hard files); Create and maintain contacts and matters in practice management system; Document tasks and client interaction in practice management & billing systems.
• Assist with estate planning clients and general office administrative duties as needed, including serving as witness and/or notary to document execution.
• Be dependable; maintain strict confidentiality; be punctual and meet deadlines.
• Work under direct attorney supervision as a team with a high level of communication and interdependence, but also take ownership of workflow and assigned projects and work independently to accomplish tasks in an efficient manner.

Requirements

Education & Experience Qualifications and Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year college/university, or paralegal certificate from ABA approved program preferred.
• 2+ years’ experience as estate/trust administration paralegal or probate clerk or related field preferred.
• Notary Public required (must be eligible to receive notary certificate if not already obtained).

Preferred Skills

• Positive attitude and proactive personality with excellent interpersonal skills, including a desire to interact and maintain professionalism with clients, attorneys, staff, and other professionals.
• Strong communication skills, including written and verbal, with impeccable spelling and grammar.
• Friendly and professional telephone presence.
• Meticulous attention to detail with high level of organization and the ability to multi-task, prioritize tasks, handle multiple projects simultaneously, and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Above-average computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; Must be able to learn and operate the firm’s other software applications (CLIO, Adobe Acrobat, Netdocuments, etc.) on an advanced level within a reasonable period; Typing skills of 80+ wpm.
• Ability to work, problem solve, and find solutions independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to follow established processes/systems, but also identify inefficiencies and suggest improvements.
• Ability to sit and work on computer-based programs for up to the majority (80-90%) of the workday.

Benefits

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive Salary based on experience
• Benefits include health, disability, life, dental, vision insurance (combination of firm-paid and pre-tax salary deduction), 401(k) with match, generous PTO policy, professional development and education allowance

Additional Notes

As part of the support team, this position will have regular interaction with firm attorneys and other staff. From time to time, your job responsibilities may change, and you may be asked to assist on firm-wide projects. This job description does not contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required, which may also change as the firm’s needs change.