Paralegal – Tax Trusts & Estates

📍 Location: NJ Office (On-site)💼 Classification: Non-Exempt🕒 Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday💲 Salary: Market-based, open depending on experience (Please indicate applicant’s salary requirement)

Summary/Objective:

You will provide legal and financial support to attorneys in the Tax, Trusts, and Estates practice group. This role demands high attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently with clients and third parties to finalize matters accurately and efficiently.

What You’ll Do:

Financial Management & Accounting:

• Manage estate/trust checkbooks where the firm serves as fiduciary.

• Process checks for expenses and beneficiary distributions.

• Coordinate timely bill payments with attorneys.

• Reconcile bank statements; maintain accurate internal records.

• Support streamlined accounting systems and cost-efficiency improvements.

Client Communication & Coordination:

• Serve as liaison with clients, beneficiaries, accountants, and advisors.

• Maintain current and organized client files and documentation.

Estate Administration:

• Gather and analyze asset information (real estate, investments, retirement accounts, etc.).

• Obtain date-of-death valuations through coordination with financial institutions and appraisers.

• Prepare inventories of assets and liabilities.

• Assist with estate accountings and tax filings (Form 706, NJ IT-R, etc.).

• Help collect and organize documentation for estate/inheritance tax returns.

Trust Administration:

• Prepare trust accountings and track income/distributions.

• Maintain accurate trust records (assets, income, expenses, beneficiaries).

Analysis & Planning:

• Assist attorneys with estate tax projections under various planning scenarios.

• Estimate costs of estate administration, including attorney and executor fees.

General Legal Support:

• Draft basic correspondence and templated legal documents.

• Assist with Surrogate’s Court procedures and filings.

• Conduct targeted research (e.g., apostille process).

• Support the development of internal procedures for court/tax filings, service of process, and document management.

What You’ll Bring:

• 5+ years of Tax Trusts and Estates paralegal experience in a law firm.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree and/or Paralegal Certificate required.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel) and iManage.

• Excellent attention to detail, communication, and time management skills.

• Strong multitasking ability and comfort working independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaborative mindset and commitment to quality client service.