Job Title: Estate Planning Paralegal

Job Summary: As an Estate Planning Paralegal, you will play a vital role in supporting attorneys in the estate planning process. You will assist in drafting estate planning documents, organizing client information, and managing administrative tasks related to estate administration. Your attention to detail and understanding of legal procedures will be essential in providing high-quality service to clients.

Responsibilities:

1. Client Communication: Interact with clients to gather information, answer questions, and provide updates on the estate planning process. Maintain professional and courteous communication to ensure client satisfaction and understanding.

2. Document Preparation: Draft estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, and beneficiary designations. Ensure accuracy and compliance with legal requirements and client preferences.

3. Estate Planning Analysis: Assist attorneys in analyzing clients' financial situations, family dynamics, and estate planning goals. Conduct research on relevant laws and regulations to support the development of tailored estate plans.

4. Document Management: Organize and maintain client files, documents, and records related to estate planning matters. Ensure that all documentation is properly indexed, filed, and accessible for reference as needed.

5. Probate and Trust Administration: Assist in administering probate estates and trusts, including preparing court filings, communicating with beneficiaries, and coordinating asset transfers. Facilitate the distribution of assets and resolution of estate-related matters.

6. Asset Management: Coordinate the transfer and titling of assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property. Work closely with clients, financial institutions, and other parties to ensure proper asset management and documentation.

7. Beneficiary Designations: Assist clients in designating beneficiaries for retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets. Ensure that beneficiary designations are consistent with clients' estate planning objectives and properly documented.

8. Legal Research: Conduct legal research on estate planning issues, tax implications, and related matters. Compile relevant statutes, regulations, and case law to support attorneys in advising clients and drafting legal documents.

9. Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to attorneys, including scheduling appointments, preparing correspondence, and maintaining calendars. Assist with billing, timekeeping, and other administrative tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree or associate degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, or related field preferred.
2. Paralegal certificate from an accredited program is a plus.
3. Prior experience working as a paralegal in estate planning or probate administration preferred.
4. Strong knowledge of estate planning concepts, legal terminology, and procedures.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal software applications.
6. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
7. Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with clients, attorneys, and colleagues.
8. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
9. Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical standards.

Seeking estate planning paralegal to join our New York Offices. Responsible for handling all phases of estate planning, including preparation and drafting of documents, preparing deeds and beneficiary designation forms. Superior communication skills are a must. Candidates must be highly organized and possess the ability to prioritize, be a team player, and have excellent written and verbal skills. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word and document assembly programs a plus. College degree and/or paralegal certificate and two plus years of experience preferred. We will consider a JD/paralegal candidate as well.