A well-established mid-sized firm in Chicago is looking for an experienced paralegal with a history of working with guardianships, probate matters, and trust administration.
This Trusts & Estates Paralegal is responsible for providing paralegal support to attorneys with estate and trust planning and administration, probate, and guardianship. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting families and loved ones through sometimes difficult circumstances and assist our attorneys in delivering exceptional client service by ensuring compliance, managing client files, and supporting attorneys.
Responsibilities
- Draft pleadings, orders, and court documents, including documents to open and close probate estates, and various pleadings necessary in guardianship proceedings.
- Complete probate and trust administration for estates.
- Assist clients with locating and collecting estate and trust assets.
- Evaluate asset-related documents for completeness, proper titling and possible exploitation.
- Create guardianship, estate, and trust accountings.
- Coordinate asset transfers and trust funding in accordance with client direction, estate planning documents, and/or court orders by communicating with relevant parties when necessary for all relevant assets such as bank accounts, brokerage accounts, mutual funds, stocks, insurance policies, and others.
- Contact financial institutions, accountants, and other client-related vendors to obtain directions, transfer instructions, and other related information.
- Update retirement accounts and insurance policies for beneficiary designations.
- Maintain communication with the Internal Revenue Service and obtain tax identification numbers for trusts and estates.
- Handle the collection and distribution of trust, estate, or guardianship assets.
- Provide proactive communication to clients, address inquiries, and ensure timely follow-ups on outstanding items.
- Assist attorneys with discovery and other estate and trust litigation matters, including written discovery requests, discovery production review, subpoenas, and citations.
Qualifications
- 6+ years of experience handling guardianships, probate matters, and trust administration
- BA/BS degree
- Paralegal certificate preferred
- Financial or asset management with strong mathematical and accounting skills.
- Able to conceive and perform analytical analyses.
- Exceptional attention to detail, proofreading, and organizational skills.
Salary
- $75,000-$90,000 plus bonus
Benefits
- BCBS health insurance, paid leave, LTD and STD.
- Other voluntary benefits: dental, vision, 401(k), pre-tax commuter transit and parking, flexible spending account and more
- Hybrid work environment based on job demands.