Estate Administration Paralegal

CareerNerds; Hauppauge (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CareerNerds, LLC is seeking an Estate Administration Paralegal to support its legal team in Smithtown or Melville, NY. The role involves assisting attorneys with probate, asset collection, distributions to beneficiaries, and related trust administration tasks.

The ideal candidate brings 3+ years in trusts & estates matters, strong drafting skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate preferred.
• 3+ years of experience as a Trusts & Estates or Estate Administration paralegal.
• Knowledge of probate procedures and Surrogate’s Court rules.
• Familiarity with estate tax and fiduciary income tax returns.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal case management software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file probate and administration petitions with the Surrogate’s Court.
• Collect estate assets and obtain date-of-death valuations.
• Draft and file inventories, accountings, receipts and releases, and consents.
• Communicate with clients, financial institutions, and government agencies for the attorney.
• Monitor deadlines and maintain estate administration calendars and checklists.
• Prepare estate tax returns (IRS Form 706) and fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041) with CPAs.
• Review and reconcile estate bank statements and prepare informal accountings.
• Assist with trust funding, trust administration, and post-mortem planning.

Skills

Communication

Drafting

Organization

Deadline management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal case management software

Job description

Our client is seeking an Estate Administration Paralegal to join its legal team. Working out of Smithtown, NY or Melville, NY, he/she will assist attorneys in all aspects of estate and trust administration, including probate proceedings, asset collection, and distribution to beneficiaries. This position requires strong communication, drafting, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and file probate and administration petitions with the Surrogate’s Court
• Collecting and valuing estate assets, including obtaining date-of-death valuations
• Draft and file legal documents such as inventories, accountings, receipts and releases, and consents
• Communicate with clients, financial institutions, and government agencies on behalf of the attorney
• Monitor deadlines and maintain estate administration calendars and checklists
• Prepare estate tax returns (Internal Revenue Service Form 706 and state estate tax forms) and fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041) in coordination with CPAs
• Review and reconcile estate bank statements and prepare informal accountings
• Assist with trust funding, trust administration, and post-mortem planning

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate preferred
• 3+ years of experience as a Trusts & Estates or Estate Administration paralegal
• Knowledge of probate procedures and Surrogate’s Court rules
• Familiarity with estate tax and fiduciary income tax returns
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal case management software

Salary is between 70K-90K plus solid benefits