Trust Estate Paralegal Job Description

'A trust estate paralegal is a paralegal who works in the area of trusts and estates law. Trusts and estates law involves laws as they affect individuals and heirs, and includes wills, estate planning, estate taxes, and aspects of family and probate law, among others. A trust estate paralegal generally works for a law firm or law firm department that specializes in trusts and estates law. Trust estate paralegals handle a wide variety of tasks to assist attorneys in their practices, including drafting trust and estate documents and communicating with clients. However, because trust estate paralegals are not attorneys and have not been admitted to the bars of any state, they must always work under the direction of a practicing attorney.

Here are a few sample trust estate paralegal job descriptions:


Trust and Estate Paralegal

The candidate will be responsible for assisting attorneys, other paralegals and firm members with all aspects of estate planning and trust administration work. Must have an ABA certificate and 3+ years of estate planning experience in a law firm.

Trust and Estate Paralegal

The candidate will work closely with clients, attorneys, and other paralegals. Responsibilities will include all phases of trust and estate administration, to include the following: marshalling, organizing and analyzing asset information; valuation of assets and strategize allocation to subtrusts; preparation of inventories, asset allocation agreements, asset transfer documents, and Judicial Council forms; researching and drafting grant deeds, trust transfer deeds, and supporting documents; drafting probate pleadings, including fiduciary reports/accountings, Spousal Property petitions, Heggstad petitions, etc.; and assisting with Estate and Gift Tax return preparation. Paralegal Certification from an ABA approved program is required. Should have ability to disseminate information from bank, brokerage and other financial statements. Familiarity with local court rules and procedures is essential. Should be proficient with MS Word, Excel, Office, and Publisher. Experience in trust, estate or probate administration preferred.

Trust and Estate Paralegal

The candidate should have excellent communication skills.

Trust and Estate Paralegal

The candidate must possess excellent writing and research skills.

Trust and Estate Paralegal

The candidate will support its personal client services department. Responsibilities include handling all aspects of trust and estate administration including: Maintaining checkbook and banking record; paying bills, and computing and disbursing beneficiary distributions; computing and payment of executor and trustee commissions; preparation of formal and informal estate and trust accountings; Marshalling assets and arranging for valuation as necessary. Probate Court practice responsibilities include: Reading and interpreting Wills and trust instruments; prepare and file all documents required to probate wills; prepare receipt and release agreements, disclaimers, affidavits, accounting petitions; handle issuance and revocation of letters and other miscellaneous proceedings, including preparation of petitions and overseeing service on interested parties. A BA/BS with 1-4 years of related experience are required. Excellent computer skills are needed. Strong Excel skills are required.

Trust and Estate Paralegal

The candidate must possess excellent writing and research skills.

Temporary Trust and Estate Paralegal

The candidate should have 3-5 years of experience.'