Trusts and Estates Paralegal

Siana Law; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Armstrong Teasdale is seeking a Trusts and Estates Paralegal to support attorneys across all phases of estate administration, including funding revocable and irrevocable trusts, probate matters, and document preparation. The role emphasizes billable hours within the Corporate Services Group.

The candidate will manage trust accounting, filings, client communications, and regulatory research, requiring experience with tax returns and fiduciary income taxes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Paralegal certificate or degree.
• 5+ years of Trust and Estate experience; skilled in Microsoft Office.
• Preferred: Corporate and Real Estate experience; familiarity with tax and trust accounting software.

Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in drafting and reviewing legal documents such as powers of attorney, wills, trusts and probate pleadings.
• Maintain financial records of trusts, perform trust accountings, and audit accounts.
• Oversee probate pleadings and filings and manage deadlines in a tracking system.
• Prepare and review gift tax returns and estate tax returns; review fiduciary income tax returns.
• Assist with revocable and irrevocable trust funding and administration.
• Serve as a key contact for clients, financial advisors and accountants.
• Conduct legal research relevant to regulatory requirements and court proceedings.

Skills

Decision Making

Communication

Leadership

Continuous Learning

Teamwork

Alignment to Values

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s degree in paralegal studies

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary Description:

Trusts and Estates Paralegal – supports attorneys throughout all legal processes. Areas of focus could include all aspects of administering estates, funding revocable and irrevocable trusts, preparing documents, and client case management. This position is expected to meet or exceed a billable hour model. This position is within the Corporate Services Group.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Assist attorneys in the drafting and reviewing of legal documents such as powers of attorney for financial matters and healthcare, last wills and testaments and trusts, and preparation probate pleadings
2. Maintain financial records of trusts, perform trust accountings, and audit accounts
3. Oversee all probate pleadings and filings and entering into a system to maintain key deadlines
4. Prepare and review gift tax returns and estate tax returns and review fiduciary income tax returns
5. Assist with revocable and irrevocable trust funding and administration
6. Serve as a key point of contact for clients, financial Advisors and accountants
7. Conduct legal research relevant to regulatory requirements and court proceedings

Competencies:

• Decision Making – Makes decisions quickly and potentially with limited information; structures and coordinates personal and team priorities
• Communication – Shares information by using data and information to support an argument or point of view; keeps team informed about progress and problems; avoids surprises; and understands the appropriate level of confidentiality required
• Leadership – Gives positive and constructive feedback to peers; trains new employees; finds solutions to a problem; works autonomously; and is motivated to anticipate future business needs
• Continuous Learning – Identifies self-training needs and opportunities; positively accepts changes
• Teamwork – Actively participates in the team and can provide feedback and solutions; listens and responds constructively to others' concerns
• Alignment to Values - Consistently demonstrates the Firm's values and offers constructive feedback to team members regarding the values; strives to learn more and participate in diversity and inclusion efforts; demonstrates respect by understanding and providing support

Required Education:

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:

Associate’s degree in paralegal studies

Required Licenses and/or Certifications:

Paralegal certificate or degree

Required Experience:

5+ years of Trust and Estate experience; skilled in Microsoft Office

Preferred Experience:

Corporate and Real Estate experience; familiarity with tax and trust accounting software

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Indirect

Physical Activity:

The employee will be required to sit for prolonged periods and work on a computer.

Travel Required:

5%

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

EEO Statement:

Armstrong Teasdale is an equal opportunity employer and will make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status or other protected status, in accordance with federal, state and local laws. At Armstrong Teasdale, we define diversity and inclusion broadly and focus on helping professionals of all races, religions, national origins, gender identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations and physical abilities feel a sense of belonging. Diversity and inclusion are core values of the firm, and we recognize the richness they bring to our workplace.