Trusts & Estates Administrator (Senior Paralegal)

Dechert LLP; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Dechert LLP in Philadelphia seeks a Trusts and Estates Administrator to work independently alongside lawyers, providing essential support for estate and trust administration, fiduciary tax matters, and client communications. The role involves managing probate filings, asset valuation, and coordinating with fiduciaries and beneficiaries to ensure timely, accurate results.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of relevant law-firm experience, excellent written and oral communication, strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required; Paralegal Certificate preferred.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in estate and trust administration, fiduciary tax, or private wealth matters.
• Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage varied tasks, prioritize deadlines, and work cooperatively within a team.
• Proficiency with computer programs including Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of tax and fiduciary software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage administration of estates and trusts, including preparation of probate petitions and filings.
• Assist with fiduciary tax administration and prepare supporting documentation.
• Track deadlines and manage multiple active estates, trusts and tax matters.
• Prepare tax returns (Estate, Gift, Income) at federal and state levels.
• Maintain financial records and documentation for tax returns and trust administration.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Attention to detail

Time management

Critical thinking

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Paralegal Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zane

CCH Axcess

OneSource

Job description

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Position(s) I am Applying for

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Trusts and Estates Administrator will work independently to assist lawyers and provide support to the practice group, billing 1,500 hours annually. This role is responsible for estate and trust administration matter, fiduciary tax administration support, client account administration and client communications. Overtime may be required from time to time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Independently manage the administration of estates and trusts, including preparation of probate petitions and related court filings, collection and valuation of assets, and communication with fiduciaries and beneficiaries.
• Assist with fiduciary tax administration, including gathering tax information, coordinating with tax preparers, and preparing supporting documentation.
• Track deadlines and manage multiple active estates, trusts and tax matters.
• Prepare agreements for informal settlement of accounts for estates and trusts.
• Prepare tax returns, including Federal Estate Tax Returns, PA, NJ, CT, and NY Estate and Inheritance Tax Returns, Federal Gift Tax Returns, Individual and Fiduciary Income Tax Returns.
• Maintain financial records and supporting documentation for use in preparation of tax returns, accountings, and trust administration matters.
• Keep current with rules, regulations, and protocols; communicate changes to client teams and others as appropriate.
• Organize and maintain extensive files for high net worth individuals and related estates and trusts.
• Develop and execute an overall strategy and approach relative to assigned matters from start to finish with little or no supervision.
• Effectively work with attorneys, paralegals, and accountants, including communicating regularly regarding the status of projects, pointing out issues, and tracking deadlines.
• Communicate with clients, accountants, banks, investment advisors, and government agencies regarding routine administration matters.
• Distill complex matters into concise and accessible communications for internal and/or external clients.
• Consistently respond well to unanticipated or urgent projects and handle independently; easily adjust to changes and provide guidance to junior paralegals.
• Accurately record time spent on billable and non-billable matters and describe work performed.
• Assist with miscellaneous projects assigned by Private Client attorney, accountant, and/or Practice Group Director.
• Practice and foster an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation.
• Demonstrate initiative and progressively assume increased responsibility as knowledge of estate, trust, and tax matters develops.
• Perform any and all other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Department, Office, and Firm.

QUALIFICATIONS / Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's Degree required. Paralegal Certificate preferred.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in estate and trust administration, fiduciary tax, or private wealth matters at a law firm, trust company, accounting firm, or financial institution.
• Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to consistently prepare clear and concise documentation requiring minimal review and to consistently produce high-quality, client-ready work product.
• Ability to manage varied tasks, prioritize deadlines, and work cooperatively within a team.
• Ability to think critically and analytically in a pressured environment.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and exercise sound judgement.
• Demonstrates versatility and the ability to adapt to most of the Firm's demands.
• Shows initiative to develop skills in practice area with a view toward continuous improvement and growth.
• Proficiency with computer programs Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Knowledge of tax and fiduciary software such as Zane, CCH Axcess, OneSource, or similar applications a plus.