Trust & Estate Paralegal Newark

A firm is seeking a Trust & Estates Paralegal to be based in our Newark, NJ office.

General Job Tasks and Responsibilities
In connection with estate planning:

• Prepare initial drafts of wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance directives for medical care for attorney review
• Assist in updates to beneficiary designations to coordinate with new estate planning documents
• Organize paper and electronic estate planning files
• Work closely with attorneys and assistants in docketing and final presentation of documents to clients
• Maintain list of gift tax returns required on an ongoing basis
• Prepare U.S. Gift Tax Return (Form 709) and its exhibits for attorney review

In connection with estate administration:

• Monitor deadlines in connection with numerous estates
• Work with clients to assemble information needed for probate or administration
• Maintain organized paper and electronic files on a current basis
• Prepare documents needed to commence the probate / administration process; coordinate with Court to provide any additional information needed
• Facilitate executor’s / administrator’s appearance at Court to accept appointment
• Send notice of probate to designated individuals; filing confirmation with Court
• Work closely with attorneys to gather documents and information in connection with the assets in the decedent’s gross estate
• Arrange for appraisals of real estate and tangible personal property
• Use valuation software (EstateVal – EVP) to value marketable securities
• Assemble and evaluate debts of decedent, expenses of administration as possible deductions
• Prepare for attorney review:
• Federal Estate Tax Return (Form 706) and its exhibits
• Federal Form 8971 (cost basis information to beneficiaries)
• State Estate and Inheritance Tax Returns (e.g. New Jersey, New York) and their exhibits
• Coordinate response to requests for additional information from tax authorities
• Prepare draft of waivers of accounting, approval of administration for beneficiaries
• Prepare formal, scheduled accounting for submission to Court, Attorney General
• Assist in the funding of marital and non marital trusts and the transfer of assets to beneficiaries
• Experience with assisting attorneys with litigated matters, such as preparing petitions, court papers and judicial accountings, is a plus

General

• Ability to interact on a friendly, knowledgeable basis with clients and outside advisors
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Coordinate with vendors as needed, manage software updates with the firm’s IT department
• Coordinate logistics and assist attorneys during client meetings and document executions
• Maintain attorney calendars
• Perform legal, factual and internet research
• Perform records research
• Prepare correspondence
• Prepare written status reports
• Proofread documents for accuracy
• Organize and track case files

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies program required. Previous estate planning and administration experience preferred.
• New Jersey Notary Public preferred (New York Notary Public a plus)

Benefits (if FTE requirements met):

• Firm Paid: Basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance and short term (ST) and long term (LT) disability benefits.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical/prescription drug coverage (the Firm pays a share of the cost), including a high deductible health plan with an annual Firm health savings account (HSA) contribution.
• Employee Paid Voluntary Benefits: Dental and vision coverage, supplemental health plans (accident, cancer and critical illness), flexible spending accounts, optional life and AD&D insurance (supplemental employee, spouse and child) and supplemental STD coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan offering three types of contributions: pre tax, Roth and after tax contributions.
• Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and leaves of absence to support work life balance (e.g. parental leave)

Additional Benefits:

• Free and confidential employee assistance program (EAP) and behavioral health services program
• Firm paid back up child/elder care, academic support and pet care program
• Tax advantaged college savings 529 Plan
• Employee discounts through Working Advantage

If interested, please email your resume to vlazoja@friedmanwilliams.com or call Valentina at 732-252-0031.