Private Client Paralegal – Tax Specialist

Ala Gateway; St. Louis (MO); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) Plans

Parking Stipend

Section 125 Plan

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation

EAP

Wellness Program

Tuition Reimbursement

529 Plan Deductions

Job summary

Thompson Coburn in St. Louis is seeking a full‑time Private Client Paralegal to support tax compliance and trust & estate administration.

You will prepare Forms 706, 709, and 1041, review documents, coordinate with clients and advisors, and assist with probate filings, with a hybrid work option after training. A paralegal background and estate tax experience are required.

Qualifications

• Requires 5+ years of estate, gift, and fiduciary income tax preparation experience.
• Experience preparing Forms 706, 709 and 1041 is required.
• Strong reading, writing and communication in English; ability to draft in business style.

Responsibilities

• Prepares federal estate tax returns (Form 706) with asset data, valuations, deductions and schedules.
• Prepares federal gift tax returns (Form 709) including split gifts and exemption tracking.
• Prepares fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041) and related state filings with supervising attorneys.
• Reviews prior returns and documents to support estate planning and transfer tax analysis.
• Gathers financial records for tax compliance, coordinating with clients and advisors.
• Maintains organized tax workpapers in line with firm standards.
• Assists with trust and estate administration, drafting probate pleadings and inventories.
• Coordinates funding and asset transfers with banks, brokers and third parties.

Skills

Professionalism

MS Office

Adobe/Tech-savvy

English fluency

Attention to detail

Creativity

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Communication

OT/Travel flexibility

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree

Paralegal certificate preferred

Tools

Adobe

Job description

Job Posting: Apr. 8, 2026

Thompson Coburn, a large full‑service law firm with offices in eight cities across the U.S., is searching for a full‑time, non‑exempt Private Client Paralegal to join its St. Louis office. The role requires significant experience preparing Forms 706, 709, and 1041 to support sophisticated wealth transfer and estate planning matters. Under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Practice Support Services, this position blends advanced tax compliance work with trust and estate administration in a collaborative, high‑performing legal environment. After an initial period of training, the position is eligible for a hybrid‑remote work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepares federal estate tax returns (Form 706), including compilation of asset information, review of valuations, portability elections, deductions, and supporting schedules.
• Prepares federal gift tax returns (Form 709), including split‑gift elections and lifetime exemption tracking.
• Prepares fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041) and related state filings in coordination with supervising attorneys.
• Reviews prior tax returns and financial documentation to support attorneys in estate planning strategy and generation‑skipping transfer tax analysis.
• Gathers and analyzes financial records necessary for tax compliance, coordinating with clients, financial institutions, appraisers, and other advisors.
• Maintains organized tax workpapers and supporting documentation consistent with Firm standards and regulatory requirements.
• Assists with trust and estate administration matters, including drafting routine probate pleadings, inventories, accountings, and related documentation as appropriate.
• Coordinates trust funding and asset transfers, including communication with banks, brokers, insurance companies, and other third parties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Must possess a high level of professionalism and interpersonal skills so as to be able to work well with client, client advisors and employees at all levels within the organization and maintain all information in the strictest of confidence. Required to use tact and diplomacy when dealing with others.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Must have strong technical skills including Adobe and the ability to quickly learn new technology.
• Must have the ability to read, write and communicate in fluent English; ability to analyze complex documents and compose documents in the appropriate business style using correct grammar and spelling; ability to communicate clearly using proper grammar and diction over the telephone.
• Must be detail‑oriented and have excellent organizational skills; ability to balance multiple projects, work independently and have strong time management skills, as well as prioritize workload.
• Must be a dynamic and creative thinker, and adept at solving problems.
• Must have ability to reason and apply common‑sense understanding to situations encountered.
• Ability to process routine daily functions while being able to resolve sensitive issues and complex assignments utilizing above‑average critical thinking skills.
• Must be proactive communicating issues relating to assignment expectations and the ability to meet deadlines or expectations.
• Ability to work overtime or travel as needed.

Experience and Education Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree required.
• Paralegal certificate preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in estate, gift, and fiduciary income tax preparation, including substantial experience preparing Forms 706, 709, and 1041 required.
• Experience in a law firm, accounting firm, or other professional services environment strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance & ADD policies
• Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Profit Sharing plans
• Parking/Transportation Stipend
• Section 125 Plan (Pre‑tax premiums, dependent care and medical reimbursement)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• College Savings Plan Deductions (529 Plans)