Trust & Estates Paralegal

Vermont Law and Graduate School; City of Binghamton (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP is seeking an experienced Trusts & Estates Paralegal to join our team in the Binghamton area. The role emphasizes independent caseload management, client interaction, and guiding matters from start to finish.

You will work with attorneys on estate planning and administration, including trusts, guardianships, and Medicaid planning, taking ownership of cases and building client relationships.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; AAS or paralegal certificate preferred.
• At least one year of relevant experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of estate planning, estate administration, and trusts and estates law.
• Familiarity with legal research, court procedures, and filing of legal documents.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; professional client interaction.
• Notary Public commission highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and interpret estate planning documents (Wills, Trusts, POA, Living Wills, Health Care Proxies).
• Prepare court filings and supporting docs for estate/trust administration and guardianship proceedings.
• Draft correspondence, accountings, asset transfer documents, and related materials.
• Independently manage an active caseload; monitor deadlines and progress under attorney supervision.
• Conduct client intake; gather records; coordinate conflict checks and file openings/closings.
• Communicate with clients, courts, financial institutions, and agencies to facilitate estate/admin proceedings.
• Prepare Medicaid applications for nursing home and community coverage; interactions with DSS.

Skills

Estate planning

Trusts and estates

Legal research

Client communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

AAS or paralegal certificate

Job description

What Stands Out About This Opportunity

Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP is seeking a Trusts & Estates Paralegal to join our team. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced paralegal who enjoys managing cases independently, working directly with clients, and taking an active role in guiding matters from start to finish.

In this role, you'll work closely with attorneys on a wide range of estate planning and administration matters, including trusts, guardianships, and Medicaid planning. You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of your caseload, develop meaningful client relationships, and help individuals and families navigate important and often sensitive legal matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and interpret estate planning documents, including Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Health Care Proxies.
• Prepare court filings and supporting documentation for estate and trust administration, voluntary administrations, and guardianship proceedings.
• Draft correspondence, accountings, asset transfer documents, and other legal materials necessary for estate and trust administration.
• Independently manage an active caseload, monitor deadlines, communicate case developments, and move matters toward completion under attorney supervision.
• Conduct client intake, gather financial records and supporting documentation, coordinate conflict searches, and assist with opening and closing files.
• Communicate with clients, attorneys, courts, financial institutions, insurance companies, accountants, and government agencies to facilitate the administration of estates and trusts.
• Prepare and coordinate Medicaid applications for nursing home and community coverage, including financial record collection, eligibility calculations, asset transfer analysis, and communication with the Department of Social Services.
• Prepare and file guardianship documents, including appointment and termination proceedings and required annual reports.
• Conduct legal research, identify potential issues, and recommend practical solutions while working within applicable legal and ethical guidelines.

Requirements

Core Requirements

• High school diploma required; Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree or paralegal certificate preferred.
• At least one year of relevant experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of estate planning, estate administration, and trusts and estates law.
• Familiarity with legal research, court procedures, and the preparation and filing of legal documents.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accuracy, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and sensitively with clients and other parties.
• Strong attention to detail, proofreading skills, and the ability to handle complex financial calculations and accountings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and standard office technology.
• Sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently while recognizing appropriate legal and ethical boundaries.
• Notary Public commission highly desirable.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation, training, and termination. Knowledge of legal principles and practices acquired through formal paralegal training.

Salary Description

$24 - $34