Estate Administration Paralegal

Ward and Smith, P.A.; New Bern (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ward and Smith, P.A. is seeking an experienced Estate Administration Paralegal to support attorneys in administering estates, trusts, and guardianships. The role includes drafting legal documents, preparing inventories, and communicating with clients, beneficiaries, and financial institutions across North Carolina.

Travel between offices may be necessary. A strong accounting background, excellent client service, and meticulous proofreading are essential, with Notary Public in NC or ability to

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of paralegal experience, estate administration preferred.
• Strong work ethic and solid time management.
• Excellent client communications and proofreading skills.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Strong accounting skills; tax work experience preferred.
• Notary Public in NC or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in administration of estates, trusts, and guardianships; draft correspondence and legal documents; prepare inventories and accounts.
• Confer with clients, beneficiaries, financial institutions, and court officials.
• Review tax strategies and prepare various tax returns.
• Gather information and stay informed of administrative changes.
• Ensure quality service to clients under attorney supervision.

Skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Client communications

Attention to detail

Notary Public

Education

Paralegal education

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Ward and Smith, P.A. is a growing full-service law firm with multiple offices throughout North Carolina. We are seeking an experienced Estate Administration Paralegal. Travel between offices may be necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in the administration of estates, trusts, and guardianships, including drafting correspondence and legal documents and preparing inventories, accountings, and other probate documents.
• Confer with clients, beneficiaries, insurance companies, financial institutions, public officials, and court administrators.
• Review tax strategies and prepare various tax returns.
• Gather information and stay informed of administrative changes.
• Ensure quality service to clients under the supervision of an attorney in accordance with NC State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct.

Qualifications

• Five to seven years of paralegal experience, preferably in Estate Administration or a combination of accounting or paralegal education and experience.
• Strong work ethic, exceptional time management, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent client communications and service; proficient technology skills (MS Office Suite and general online research); meticulous attention to detail with strong proofreading skills.
• Ability to work independently, handling an estate from beginning to end, and collaborate with team members as needed.
• Strong accounting skills; experience with accounting or tax work preferred.
• Notary Public commission in NC or ability to obtain one.

About the Firm

Ward and Smith, P.A. is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.