Paralegal, Trusts & Estates

Ballard Spahr LLP; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Ballard Spahr LLP in Minneapolis is seeking a Trusts and Estates Paralegal to support the Private Client Services team under a seasoned attorney.

This hybrid role offers three in-office days per week with flexible scheduling and opportunities for professional development.

Responsibilities include preparing probate documents, asset valuation, fiduciary accounting, tax returns, and estate distribution planning; prior estate/trust experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Previous relevant experience in Trust and Estates; a bachelor's degree and/or paralegal certificate preferred.
• Experience with accounting and tax preparation software such as OneSource/Zane, GEMs or ProSystem fx.
• Proficiency with Outlook, Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Prepare probate documents and related papers.
• Identify, gather and arrange valuation of decedent's assets and perform tasks required to administer estates from probate through final settlement.
• Maintain financial records for use in fiduciary accounting and tax preparation.
• Prepare inheritance and estate tax returns, fiduciary accountings, tax projections and liquidity estimates; and
• Prepare Distribution Schedules, Family Settlement Agreements and related documentation for settlement of estates and trusts

Skills

Growth Mindset

Communication

Detail-Oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree

Paralegal certificate

Tools

Outlook

Word

Excel

OneSource/Zane

GEMs

ProSystem fx

Job description

Ballard Spahr is a renowned national law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr offers a diverse group of mentors, colleagues, and friends, and strong leadership that provides support and encouragement for career growth.

As a Trust and Estates Paralegal, you will play a vital role in managing estates and trusts, working closely under the guidance of a seasoned Business and Transactions lawyer.

This hybrid position allows you to shine both in the office and beyond, with a flexible schedule of just three days a week in the Minneapolis office.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm's executive leadership.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth.
• Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds.
• Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that make a significant difference in legal practice and client service.

Your Role:

As a Trusts and Estates Paralegal within our Private Client Services team, you will:

• Prepare probate documents and related papers;
• Identify, gather and arrange valuation of decedent's assets and perform tasks required to administer estates from probate through final settlement;
• Maintain financial records for use in fiduciary accounting and tax preparation;
• Prepare inheritance and estate tax returns, fiduciary accountings, tax projections and liquidity estimates; and
• Prepare Distribution Schedules, Family Settlement Agreements and related documentation for settlement of estates and trusts

What We're Looking For:

• Growth Mindset: Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and problem-solving.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Detail-Oriented: Keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.

Required Experience:

Previous relevant experience in Trust and Estates; a bachelor's degree and/or paralegal certificate preferred. Experience with accounting and tax preparation software such as OneSource/Zane, GEMs or ProSystem fx. Proficiency with Outlook, Word and Excel.

The salary range for this position is from $80,000- $115,000 which reflects the Firm's good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on several factors such as the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Ballard Spahr offers an excellent benefits package. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Careers section of the firm's website.

At Ballard Spahr, we believe that our skills, perspectives, and backgrounds drive innovation and excellence, while our unique culture fosters collaboration and success. Our culture of thriving together forms the cornerstone of how we deliver exceptional service and position our firm for a strong future. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer. We offer equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.