Probate & Estate Planning Paralegal

Lee Hecht Harrison Nederland B.V.; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lee Hecht Harrison Nederland B.V. is seeking a Probate & Estate Planning Paralegal in Cleveland to support attorneys in estate, trust, and succession planning matters. The role focuses on day-to-day administration, documenting assets, and coordinating with beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and professionals.

You will prepare tax forms (706/709), draft deeds, and assist with court filings while maintaining confidentiality and client service excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate required.
• 2+ years in trust and estate administration with experience filing Form 706/709.
• Strong understanding of Federal Estate Tax law and procedures.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation of Federal Estate Tax Returns (Form 706) and Federal Gift Tax Returns (Form 709).
• Coordinate with accountants and attorneys for estate and gift tax information.
• Prepare SS-4 forms and obtain taxpayer IDs for estates and trusts.
• Assist with tax authority audit responses.
• Prepare trust reports and trust accountings; issue notices and Crummey notices.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Written & verbal communications

Confidentiality

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate

Tools

Adobe Acrobat DC

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

LHH is recruiting a Probate & Estate Planning Paralegal for a Cleveland law firm. The paralegal will assist attorneys in the Estate, Trusts and Succession Planning practice with day-to-day administration of trusts and estates, including the preparation of Form 706 estate tax returns. The role involves direct client communication, document preparation, case management and coordination with beneficiaries, fiduciaries, financial institutions, accountants, and government agencies. This role requires professionalism, observance of confidentiality, ability to work in a team environment and a commitment to providing exceptional client service.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with preparation of Federal Estate Tax Returns (Form 706) and Federal Gift Tax Returns (Form 709).
• Coordinate with accountants and attorneys to provide information for preparation of estate and gift tax returns.
• Preparation of Forms SS-4 and obtaining taxpayer identification numbers for estates and trusts.
• Assist with tax authority audit responses.
• Prepare trust reports and trust accountings, notices of trust and Crummey notices.
• Assist with gathering asset information including obtaining valuations of assets and retitling and processing assets.
• Assist attorneys with the administration of decedent’s trusts and estates: calendar deadlines and notice of hearings.
• Prepare deeds and supporting documents to transfer title to real property to trusts or LLCs.
• Coordinate distributions to beneficiaries including calculation of distribution of assets, preparation of receipts, waivers and consents.
• Prepare and file probate court documents: initial documents, inventories, accountings, motions, proofs of service, guardian ad litem petitions, etc.
• Assist with drafting pleadings for various probate court actions.
• Maintain trust accounts including but not limited to payment of expenses and check registers for fiduciaries.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate required.
• 2 years or more experience in trust and estate administration, to include experience preparing and filing of Federal Estate Tax Returns (Form 706) and Federal Gift Tax Returns (Form 709).
• Working knowledge and understanding of Federal Estate Tax law and procedure.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.
• Excellent proofreading skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with attorneys, clients, staff, and outside professionals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing demands, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Experience with legal software, tax programs, and document management systems.
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat DC and Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Pay Details: $75,000.00 to $90,000.00 per year

Search managed by: Cheryl Jacobs

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

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