Probate & Estate Administration Paralegal

Synectics Inc.; Northfield Township (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Synectics Inc. is seeking an estate administration paralegal to support probate, trust administration, and estate matters. You will work closely with attorneys, manage deadlines, draft pleadings, and prepare asset distributions while maintaining discreet communication with clients, beneficiaries, and courts.

The role emphasizes attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and professional client service in a boutique practice focused on estate planning and related activities.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of estate or trust administration experience.
• Real estate experience is a plus.
• An associate degree, bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with sound judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication with a professional demeanor.

Responsibilities

• Probate Management: track probate matters from filing through closing and monitor deadlines.
• Document Drafting: prepare pleadings, motions, affidavits, waivers and file court documents.
• Asset Administration: prepare transfer and distribution documents with transfer agents.
• Estate and Trust Accounting: prepare inventories, account statements and plans of distribution.
• Client Relations: provide compassionate, professional updates to clients and beneficiaries.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Written and verbal communication

Client service empathy

Education

Paralegal certificate

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Estate Administration Paralegal to support its estate and trust administration practice. This role involves working closely with attorneys throughout probate proceedings, trust settlements, and estate administration, while serving as a key point of contact for clients, beneficiaries, and courts during sensitive matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Probate Management: Track probate matters from filing through closing, monitor court deadlines and claims periods, maintain case calendars, and ensure required filings are completed on time.
• Document Drafting: Prepare pleadings, motions, affidavits, waivers, and other legal documents, and file court documents in accordance with applicable court procedures.
• Asset Administration: Prepare asset transfer and distribution documents, including beneficiary designation claim forms and stock transfer forms for Computershare and other transfer agents.
• Estate and Trust Accounting: Prepare inventories, account statements requests, periodic and annual accountings, plans of distribution, beneficiary receipts, and related correspondence.
• Client Relations: Provide compassionate, professional updates to clients, beneficiaries, and other parties while handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in estate administration or trust administration.
• Real estate experience is a plus.
• An associate degree, bachelor's degree, or paralegal certificate is preferred for candidates with fewer than 5 years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a professional and empathetic approach to client service.

About The Opportunity

Our client is a boutique law firm focused on estate planning, guardianships, and estate and trust administration. The firm also handles sophisticated estate, gift, and income tax planning, as well as estate and trust litigation. It emphasizes personalized legal counsel, attention to family dynamics, and compassionate client service.