Trusts & Estates Paralegal

Lsslawoffices; New Jersey; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal firm is seeking a skilled Trusts & Estates Paralegal in New Jersey to focus on estate planning and administration. The role requires preparing court documents, assisting clients, and managing case workflows. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in estate law and possess strong organizational skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and legal software is essential. This position offers the opportunity to work compassionately with clients through challenging estate processes.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in estate law.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills required.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft estate planning documents, including Wills and Trusts.
• Prepare and file probate pleadings with New Jersey Surrogate’s Courts.
• Assist with estate administration and manage case workflow.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Client-centered approach

Strong written communication

Verbal communication

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Legal practice management software

Job description

We are currently seeking a skilled and compassionate Trusts & Estates Paralegal with a strong focus in estate planning or estate administration to join our team. This role involves working directly with clients and families through the estate planning or probate and trust administration process, including initial drafting and client requests for revisions, preparing and filing court documents, assisting with asset collection and distribution, handling Surrogate correspondence, and coordinating with financial institutions and CPAs. Candidates should have excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a client-centered approach.

• Draft estate planning documents, including Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, partnership agreements, and related instruments; tailor provisions to each client’s goals using firm templates and software.
• Create and refine firm templates; proofread documents prepared by attorneys and paralegals to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Prepare and file probate pleadings with New Jersey Surrogate’s Courts, draft correspondence to clients, beneficiaries, courts, financial institutions, CPAs, and government agencies.
• Assist with estate administration, including asset collection, tracking assets and liabilities, preparing informal and formal accountings, inheritance distributions, and supporting inheritance tax return preparation.
• Obtain financial information from clients and institutions; draft tax forms and maintain detailed spreadsheets and estate timelines.
• Manage case workflow; follow task checklists, calendar deadlines with reminders, track billable time accurately, and keep attorneys and leadership informed of progress.
• Maintain organized estate files; coordinate with attorneys and outside professionals; communicate clearly and compassionately with grieving families and beneficiaries.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience in estate law
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and legal practice management software

Bonus Experience (Not Required)

• Experience with Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE or similar tax software platforms
• Paralegal certification
• Experience with estate litigation support or complex estate tax returns