Trusts and Estates Paralegal

Cozen O'Connor; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

Cozen O’Connor is seeking a full-time Trust and Estate Administration Paralegal to support the Private Client, Trusts and Estates group in the Philadelphia office on a 3/2 hybrid schedule. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years’ experience and advanced knowledge of administration of trusts and estates, with discretion and strong client relations skills.

Responsibilities include leading interactions with personal representatives, managing probate processes, asset valuation, debt payments, and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a legal environment.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with clients and team.

Responsibilities

• Lead contact for personal representatives for estates and trusts; coordinate with advisors and accountants to maintain accurate financial records.
• Manage day-to-day estate administration tasks; coordinate probate, asset valuation, debt payments, and tax return filings; prepare fiduciary accountings.
• Prepare Federal gift tax returns and coordinate with HomeBase family office services for a customized client experience.

Skills

Discretion with confidential info

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or paralegal certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

OneSource

Trustdesk

Job description

Job Description

Cozen O’Connor is seeking a full-time Trust and Estate Administration Paralegal to support the Private Client, Trusts and Estates ("PCTE") group in the Philadelphia office, on a 3/2 hybrid schedule. The PCTE group has unsurpassed experience in representing executors, trustees, and beneficiaries in the full range of trust and estate administration matters, from the settlement of estates, to tax return preparation and audits, to ongoing trust accounting and implementation. PCTE is looking for a dedicated paralegal to support its attorneys in taking a practical and personalized approach to serving clients. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years’ experience, advanced knowledge of the administration of trusts and estates, the ability to manage confidential information with discretion, strong interpersonal skills to build a rapport with clients, and a desire to grow in the position.

Responsibilities

• Lead contact for personal representatives for estates and trusts, beneficiaries, financial advisors, and accountants. Work with financial advisors and others to maintain accurate financial records
• Manage day-to-day aspects of estate administration, coordinate probate of Wills and appointment of personal representatives; collect and value assets, arrange for payment of debts and expenses; prepare and file Federal and State estate and inheritance tax returns; coordinate with accountants for preparation of income and fiduciary returns; facilitate tax payments and distributions to beneficiaries; terminate estates; prepare and file fiduciary accountings, with moderate supervision by attorneys
• Prepare Federal gift tax returns
• Coordinate the delivery of certain family office services with our HomeBase team, Cozen O’Connor’s integrated family office, for a completely customized client experience

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a legal environment
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
• Strong interpersonal skills to build a rapport with team and clients
• Proven computer/technology skills in Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel) is a must and a familiarity with advanced accounting functions is required
• Familiarity with OneSource, the tax return preparation system currently being used, is preferred but not required
• Experience with Trustdesk preferred
• Detail oriented, able to work independently, and possess excellent organizational and written/oral communication skills
• Must have the motivation and skill to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A bachelor's degree and/or paralegal certificate required

The salary range for this role is $80,000 -$115,000 and represents the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent upon a number of factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications and location.

About Us

Known for its commitment to action and tangible results, Cozen O'Connor has rapidly grown to become one of North America's fastest-growing law firms. Offering full-service expertise in litigation, business law, and government relations, the firm serves a diverse clientele, including global Fortune 500 companies, growing middle-market firms, startups, and high-profile individuals. Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has more than 1,000 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle market companies, Cozen O’Connor services its clients’ needs through 35 offices across two continents. The firm is consistently ranked among the top 100 law firms in America and has received recognition from prestigious legal and business organizations such as Chambers & Partners, The American Lawyer, The Legal 500, and Best Lawyers. Cozen O'Connor is dedicated to excellence and strives to achieve the right results for its clients, no matter how complex or critical the legal challenges.

Cozen O’Connor is committed to fostering greater inclusion in the legal profession. We understand the organizational effectiveness that comes from welcoming and valuing differences within the firm, and we know that assembling a team with a breadth of perspectives and experience is necessary to provide the highest quality legal service. We encourage candidates to apply and join us in this effort.

Cozen O’Connor actively welcomes applicants who have previously left the workforce and are looking to return to their careers. Gaps in experience are not penalized.

Cozen O'Connor is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.