McCarter & English, LLP seeks a Trust & Estates Paralegal to be based in the Newark, NJ office. If you have relevant experience, we invite you to consider joining our team. Please send you resume and cover letter to the attention of Christine Lydon, Esq., at recruiting@mccarter.com
General Job Tasks:
In connection with estate planning:
- Prepare initial drafts of wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance directives for medical care for attorney review
- Assist in updates to beneficiary designations and the like to coordinate with new estate planning documents
- Organize paper and electronic estate planning files
- Work closely with attorneys and assistants in docketing and final presentation of documents to clients
- Maintain list of gift tax returns required on an ongoing basis
- Prepare U.S. Gift Tax Return (Form 709) and its exhibits for attorney review
In connection with estate administration:
- Monitor deadlines in connection with numerous estates
- Work with clients to assemble information needed for probate or administration
- Maintain organized paper and electronic files on a current basis
- Prepare documents needed to commence the probate / administration process; coordinate with Court to provide any additional information needed
- Facilitate executor’s / administrator’s appearance at Court to accept appointment
- Send notice of probate to designated individuals; filing confirmation of same with Court
- Work closely with attorney to gather documents and information in connection with the assets in the decedent’s gross estate
- Arrange for appraisals of real estate and tangible personal property
- Use valuation software (EstateVal – EVP) to value marketable securities
- Assemble and evaluate debts of decedent, expenses of administration as possible deductions
- Prepare for attorney review:
- Federal Estate Tax Return (Form 706) and its exhibits
- Federal Form 8971 (cost basis information to beneficiaries)
- State Estate and Inheritance Tax Returns (e.g. New Jersey, New York) and their exhibits, as needed
- Coordinate response to requests for additional information from tax authorities
- Prepare draft of waivers of accounting, approval of administration for beneficiaries
- Prepare formal, scheduled accounting for submission to Court, Attorney General
- Assist in the funding of marital and non-marital trusts and the transfer of assets to beneficiaries
Responsibilities:
- Must be able to interact on a friendly, knowledgeable basis with clients and outside advisors
- Good communication skills with attorneys are essential, to work closely as a team
- Coordinate with vendors as needed, manage software updates with the firm’s IT department
- Coordinate logistics and assist attorneys during client meetings and document executions
- Maintain attorney calendars
- Perform legal, factual and internet research
- Perform records research
- Prepare correspondence
- Prepare written status reports
- Proofread documents for accuracy
- Organize and track case files
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies program. Previous estate planning and administration experience preferred.
- New Jersey Notary Public preferred (New York Notary Public a plus)
- Experience with assisting attorneys with litigated matters, such as preparing petitions, court papers and judicial accountings, would be beneficial.
Note: While the list of essential duties is intended to be as inclusive as possible, there may be other duties, which are essential to particular positions within the class.
McCarter & English, LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer