Trusts & Estates Administrator (Senior Paralegal) - New York

Dechert LLP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Dechert LLP in New York, NY seeks a Trusts and Estates Administrator to work independently supporting lawyers and the practice group, with a target of 1,500 hours billed annually. The role focuses on estate and trust administration, fiduciary tax support, and client account management, with overtime possible.

You will manage probate petitions, tax returns, and complex communications with fiduciaries and beneficiaries, coordinating with tax preparers and internal teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Paralegal Certificate preferred.
• Minimum five years of estate and trust administration experience at a law firm or equivalent.
• Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office; knowledge of fiduciary software such as Zane, CCH Axcess, OneSource a plus.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage estate/trust administration, probate petitions, court filings and asset valuation.
• Assist fiduciary tax administration, gather tax information and coordinate with tax preparers.
• Track deadlines and manage multiple estates, trusts and tax matters.
• Prepare tax returns including estate and inheritance taxes and fiduciary returns.
• Maintain financial records and client communications; ensure confidentiality and accuracy.
• Coordinate with attorneys, paralegals, accountants, banks and government agencies as needed.
• Record time spent on matters and contribute to division-wide efficiency initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Teamwork

Analytical thinking

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Paralegal Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Zane

CCH Axcess

OneSource

Job description

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.

At the time of this posting, the salary range for this position in New York, NY is between $110,000.00 – $150,000.00 annually. Actual compensation is commensurate with job related knowledge, skills, experience, and location of the position.