Senior Trusts & Estates Paralegal (Individual Client Services Specialist)

📍 Location: New York, NY (On-site 4–5 days/week)
💼 Schedule: Full-Time | Exempt
💲 Salary Range: Up to $170K–$200K for a stellar candidate
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Team: Individual Client Services (ICS)

What You’ll Do:

• Handle complex estate administration, including marshaling assets, arranging appraisals, and preparing all necessary court filings.

• Prepare Federal and State estate tax returns and run estate/gift tax projections for trusts (e.g., GRATs, QPRTs).

• Draft probate petitions, applications for preliminary letters testamentary, petitions for advance payment of commissions, and receipt and release agreements.

• Manage IRS and state estate tax audits and assist with trust administration and accounting proceedings.

• Guide and mentor junior legal assistants and collaborate closely with attorneys on estate and tax planning matters.

• Interface directly with clients with sensitivity and professionalism, often during difficult or emotional circumstances.

• Assemble required documentation for fiduciary accountants and ensure the accuracy and completeness of all filings and client deliverables.

What You’ll Bring:

• 10–15 years of specialized Trusts & Estates experience—ideally from an AM Law firm or a boutique firm focusing exclusively on T&E.

• Proven ability to read and interpret wills, handle elder care matters (Medicaid/Medicare claims), and support complex trust/estate matters.

• Advanced knowledge of estate and tax planning, probate procedures, and relevant court systems.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat; experience with OneSource and document management systems is a plus.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to manage a high volume of clients and cases while maintaining accuracy and empathy.

• Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities with a collaborative team mindset.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience.