Legal Staff Paralegal in New Haven, CT

Law Firm

New Haven, CT

Legal Staff Paralegal in New Haven, CT

Legal Staff

No

Job Title: Trusts and Estates Administrative Paralegal

Job Responsibilities:
The Trusts and Estates Administrative Paralegal at the law firm is entrusted with the responsibility of managing and producing a high volume of complex and detailed work involving domestic estate administration, trust administration, and fiduciary accounting. This role ensures that the law firm meets its objective of distinguishing itself through exceptional service. The paralegal is expected to work independently, handling the administration of an estate from inception to completion, while collaborating with attorneys as needed. Given the nature of the work, particularly in accounting and estate taxes, the paralegal must possess strong mathematical, organizational, and technological skills.

The paralegal must work collaboratively with the law firm's lawyers and staff across all offices, engaging in significant client contact. The role requires mentoring and being open to mentorship, as well as interacting compassionately with individuals who may have experienced the loss of a loved one or are under significant stress. The position demands excellent organizational, client service, communication, and technological skills. The paralegal must effectively manage information, meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, be flexible to work overtime as needed, multitask while adapting to priority changes, and adapt to changes in technology and processes.

Key responsibilities include:
- Identifying, gathering, and valuing assets; preparing various probate and accounting documents.
- Preparing accountings for both estates and trusts.
- Preparing death tax returns, including federal and state estate tax returns.
- Reviewing and interpreting wills and trust agreements in collaboration with attorneys to implement the estate and trust administration plan and fund trusts.
- Utilizing reference materials and performing basic research using a variety of resources, although attorneys generally handle legal research.

Education and Experience:
- An undergraduate degree and paralegal certification (or equivalent) are required.
- Familiarity with the procedures of courts and regulatory agencies is essential.
- Experience with Microsoft Office resources (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), PDF software, related scanning and production utilities, and document management software is necessary.
- Experience with tax preparation and accounting software (., FastTax, ProSystems) is required.
- The ability to learn and use advanced software programs and new technology is crucial, along with a desire to seek and attend training to improve skills.
- A good understanding of basic business relationships and principles of client confidentiality is important.

Salary Information:
The text does not provide specific salary information for the Trusts and Estates Administrative Paralegal position at the law firm.