Estate Planning Paralegal: Trusts & Probate Specialist

Bodman PLC; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bodman PLC in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Paralegal to support estate planning attorneys. You will organize probate, estate planning, real estate and entity documents while maintaining confidentiality and client communication.

Key duties include assisting with trust and estate administration, preparing filings, deeds, routine power of attorney documents, and tax forms, plus entity formation and ongoing filings. Strong organizational and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related subject matter (finance, business, political science, legal administration).
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in estate planning and trust/estate administration.
• Knowledge of legal principles and practices at paralegal level or equivalent.
• Strong problem solving, analytical and detail orientation.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with attorneys and team in all stages of estate planning, wealth transfers and estate/trust administration.
• Handle various aspects of trust and estate administration, including probate pleadings and notices, inventories, and tax documents.
• Prepare deeds and property transfer affidavits.
• Prepare routine estate planning documents such as powers of attorney (financial and health care) and ancillary documents.
• Assist with Form 706 Estate Tax Return and Form 709 Gift Tax Returns.
• Assist with forming entities, including formation documents and IRS taxpayer IDs.
• Assist with annual entity reports and state/local filings for client entities.
• Communicate with clients and other parties to obtain information for documents.
• Utilize Word, Excel, and PowerPoint when applicable.

Skills

Estate planning

Trust administration

Legal documentation

Attention to detail

Project management

Client communication

Time management

Proofreading

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related subject matter

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Bodman PLC in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Paralegal to support estate planning attorneys. You will organize probate, estate planning, real estate and entity documents while maintaining confidentiality and client communication.

Key duties include assisting with trust and estate administration, preparing filings, deeds, routine power of attorney documents, and tax forms, plus entity formation and ongoing filings. Strong organizational and analytical skills are essential.