Trust and Estate Paralegal

Leoforce; Bethesda (MD); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Performance-based bonus opportunities

401(k) plan with profit-sharing

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Job summary

Leoforce seeks an experienced Trust & Estates Paralegal to support a sophisticated practice serving high-net-worth individuals and families. You will handle estate and trust administration, probate filings, and federal/state estate and gift tax returns (706/709) across MD, DC, VA, coordinating with attorneys, fiduciaries, and financial advisors.

The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex matters while delivering exceptional client

Qualifications

• Experience as Trust & Estates Paralegal or Estate Administration Paralegal.
• Experience preparing federal estate tax returns (706) and federal gift tax returns (709).
• Experience with Maryland and District of Columbia estate tax returns.
• Experience handling high-net-worth estate matters.
• Strong probate procedures knowledge and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Ability to work with attorneys, personal representatives, trustees, accountants, and clients.

Responsibilities

• Administer estates and trusts from beginning to end with attorneys and clients.
• Prepare federal estate tax returns (IRS Form 706) and federal gift tax returns (IRS Form 709).
• Prepare, review, and file probate documents and court filings (inventories, accountings).
• Coordinate cross-jurisdiction estate matters in MD, DC, VA and beyond.
• Conduct client intakes and review estate planning documents for next steps.
• Work with fiduciaries to collect, organize, and review asset information and documents.
• Coordinate with CPAs, financial advisors, and other professionals on tax reporting and administration.
• Assist with estate plans and ancillary estate planning documents.
• Prepare probate paperwork and coordinate filings with courts and offices.
• Prepare inventories and accountings; review financial records and assets.
• Research deeds and county land records; assist with deeds and recordings.
• Manage client files, engagement agreements, conflict checks, and matter opening procedures.
• Maintain regular client and advisor communications to ensure deadlines are met.

Skills

Estate & Trust Paralegal

Tax return preparation

Client communication

Attention to detail

Legal research

Tools

FORE! estate planning software

DocuSign

SimpliFile

Job description

Trust and Estate Paralegal

Bethesda,MD, US

Job Description

Experience: Mid Level
Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 per year

Job Details

Trust & Estates Paralegal

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Trust & Estates Paralegal to support a sophisticated trusts and estates practice serving high-net-worth individuals and families. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with estate and trust administration, probate proceedings, and the preparation of federal and state estate and gift tax returns, including IRS Forms 706 and 709 and Maryland and District of Columbia estate tax returns. This individual will work closely with attorneys, fiduciaries, accountants, financial advisors, and clients to manage estate and trust matters from inception through completion. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex matters while delivering exceptional client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer estates and trusts from beginning to end, working closely with attorneys and clients throughout the process.
• Prepare federal estate tax returns (IRS Form 706) and federal gift tax returns (IRS Form 709), as well as applicable Maryland and District of Columbia estate tax returns.
• Prepare, review, and file probate documents and other required court filings, including inventories, accountings, and ancillary filings.
• Coordinate estate and trust administration matters across multiple jurisdictions, including Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, and other applicable jurisdictions.
• Conduct client intakes, prepare intake documentation, and review existing estate planning documents to determine appropriate next steps.
• Work directly with personal representatives, trustees, and other fiduciaries to collect, organize, and review asset information and supporting financial documentation.
• Coordinate with CPA firms, financial advisors, and other professional advisors regarding estate assets, tax reporting, and administration requirements.
• Assist with the preparation and implementation of estate plans and ancillary estate planning documents.
• Prepare probate paperwork and coordinate filings with the appropriate courts and governmental offices.
• Prepare estate administration inventories and accountings and assist with the review of financial records and estate assets.
• Research and review deeds and county land records and assist with deed preparation and recording as needed.
• Manage client files, engagement agreements, conflict checks, matter opening procedures, and other administrative tasks associated with estate and trust matters.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and professional advisors to ensure matters progress efficiently and deadlines are met.

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Trust & Estates Paralegal, Estate Administration Paralegal, or Estate Planning Paralegal.
• Demonstrated experience preparing federal estate tax returns (Form 706) and federal gift tax returns (Form 709).
• Experience preparing Maryland and District of Columbia estate tax returns.
• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals and families and handling complex estate and trust administration matters.
• Strong understanding of probate procedures, fiduciary responsibilities, estate inventories, accountings, and court filings.
• Experience working directly with attorneys, personal representatives, trustees, accountants, financial advisors, and clients.
• Familiarity with estate planning documents, probate filings, and ancillary estate planning matters.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple matters and competing deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a client-service-oriented approach.
• Proficiency with relevant legal technology and document management systems; experience with estate planning software and electronic -filing platforms is a plus.

Preferred Experience

• Experience handling estate and trust matters across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia.
• Familiarity with FORE! estate planning software, DocuSign, SimpliFile, and legal matter management systems.
• Experience coordinating complex estate administrations involving multiple assets, fiduciaries, and outside professional advisors.

A bit about us:

Our client is a well-established commercial law firm with more than 40 years of experience serving the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. legal markets. The firm represents businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and high-net-worth individuals across a broad range of practice areas. With approximately 25 attorneys and plans for continued growth, the firm combines the stability and reputation of a longstanding regional institution with the momentum of an expanding litigation practice. The culture is collaborative, team-oriented, and focused on developing attorneys through mentorship and meaningful client engagement.

Why join us?

• Hybrid work schedule
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• 401(k) plan with profit-sharing
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities
• Collegial and collaborative firm culture with strong regional reputation

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