Trusts & Estates Fiduciary Paralegal

Haley Stuart Group; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Haley Stuart Group in the United States is seeking a seasoned Legal Bookkeeper - Trusts & Estates for an on-site role to support its fiduciary matters. The ideal candidate has 2+ years of fiduciary bookkeeping experience in a law or accounting firm and strong knowledge of estate processes and tax filings.

You will manage estate and trust accounts, prepare disbursements, coordinate bill payments, and assist attorneys with reporting.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of Trusts & Estates or fiduciary bookkeeping experience in law or accounting firm.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate required.
• High degree of accuracy, organization, and discretion; strong communication with attorneys and clients.

Responsibilities

• Manage and reconcile estate and trust checkbooks.
• Prepare disbursements, beneficiary payments, and expense checks.
• Coordinate bill payments and maintain complete transaction records.
• Assist attorneys with fiduciary account setup and reporting; support for estate/trust administration.

Skills

Trusts & Estates bookkeeping

Fiduciary bookkeeping

Attention to detail

Communication with attorneys and 1:1

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree (or Paralegal Certificate)

Tools

Microsoft Office

iManage

Job description

Legal Bookkeeper - Trusts & Estates (On-Site) Overview The firm is seeking a seasoned Legal Bookkeeper - Trusts & Estates (On-Site) with solid Trusts & Estates accounting experience to support its Tax, Trusts & Estates attorneys. The individual will handle fiduciary financial management, estate and trust account reconciliations, and administrative support for estate and trust administration. Ideal candidates have 2+ years of experience handling fiduciary bookkeeping in a law firm or accounting firm, strong knowledge of estate processes and tax filings, and excellent attention to detail. This is a fully on-site role at a highly respected regional firm offering a collegial and stable environment.

Why You’ll Love It

Here as our Legal Bookkeeper: A collaborative, supportive, and community-oriented culture, with strong values around diversity and inclusion. Modern technology and ongoing training, including an in-house "university" and dedicated trainer. Opportunities for professional growth - the firm is expanding and investing in new office space. Teamwork and knowledge-sharing across departments are encouraged and celebrated. Regular firm events such as holiday celebrations and community service drives. Candidates from smaller firms may need to adapt to newer systems, but hands-on training is available for those with a solid foundation. The firm values stability and continuity in your career history, especially for more junior professionals.

Key Responsibilities for Legal Bookkeeper - Trusts & Estates

• Financial Management
  • Manage and reconcile estate and trust checkbooks
  • Prepare disbursements, beneficiary payments, and expense checks
  • Coordinate bill payments and maintain complete transaction records
  • Assist attorneys with fiduciary account setup and reporting
  • Support internal accounting process improvements
• Estate Administration
  • Gather and organize probate/non-probate asset data (real estate, investments, business interests, etc.)
  • Obtain date-of-death valuations and prepare asset inventories
  • Assist with estate accounting preparation and estate/inheritance tax filings (Form 706, NJ IT-R, etc.)
  • Estimate administration expenses and develop estate tax projections
• Trust Administration
  • Track trust income, expenses, and distributions
  • Prepare and file trust accountings
  • Maintain accurate ledgers and documentation
• General Legal Support
  • Draft correspondence and template-based legal forms
  • Assist with Surrogate's Court filings, service of process, and affidavits
  • Communicate directly with clients, beneficiaries, accountants, and financial institutions

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of Trusts & Estates or fiduciary bookkeeping experience (law or accounting firm)
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree (or Paralegal Certificate) required
• High degree of accuracy, organization, and discretion
• Strong communication and follow-through with attorneys and clients
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); iManage experience a plus