Estate Administration Paralegal

ASHFORD CONNEX, LLC; Hauppauge (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ASHFORD CONNEX, LLC is seeking an Estate Administration Paralegal to join its legal team. The role supports attorneys in probate, asset collection, and distributions, with opportunities to handle filings and tax returns from Smithtown or Melville, NY.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate, 3+ years in estate work, and strong drafting, communication, and organizational skills. On-site position with solid benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certification is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in trusts & estates or estate administration.
• Familiarity with probate procedures and Surrogate’s Court rules.
• Knowledge of estate tax and fiduciary income tax returns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and file probate and administration petitions with the Surrogate's Court.
• Collect estate assets, obtain date-of-death valuations, and manage distributions.
• Draft inventories, accountings, receipts, releases, and consents.
• Communicate with clients, financial institutions, and government agencies on behalf of attorneys.
• 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, administration, and post-mortem planning.

Skills

Strong written and verbalcommunication

Organizational skills

Deadline management

Communication with clients and banks

Attention to detail

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