Regular Full-Time
Tampa
Requisition ID: 1026
APPLYTO ESTATE PLANNING AND PROBATE PARALEGAL
This position performs a variety of paralegal support duties and delivers high-quality service to clients, exhibiting commitment to integrity and excellence. Candidates for the role must have a thorough knowledge of law firm and practice specific processes and procedures, information technology systems, research tools, and a broad-based understanding of the clients, matters, and associated practices.
The scope of responsibilities includes primarily drafting and editing various estate planning and corporate documents, including Wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, and health care documents; assisting with various IRS filings and procedures; and preparation of client correspondence and flowcharts. In addition, responsibilities will also include (to a lesser extent) providing probate, guardianship, and trust administration support by preparing and maintaining estate and trust administration files, drafting and/or proofing pleadings, notices, responses, correspondence, and other related documents, utilizing checklists, performing legal research, and other tasks as assigned. Time management and organization are critical skills for this position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Organize and draft estate planning documents and help clients fund their estate plans once executed. The normal scope of documents include: health care directives and living wills declaration; durable powers of attorney; Wills; revocable (“Living”) trusts; and irrevocable trusts.
- Prepare various corporate documents, including formation of various business and family entities (corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships), transfers to and from such entities, transfer of ownership interests to various trusts, and drafting resolutions, and maintaining equity or stock ledgers.
- Preparation of deeds and other real estate related documents, for funding various trusts with real property.
- Organize and understand client assets and financial information to assist in funding assets into estate plan correctly, preparation of asset lists, and answer client questions asset regarding funding.
- Working knowledge of the rules of procedure governing probate courts, including experience filing pleadings with the court in compliance with court requirements.
- Experience preparing gift, estate, and GST tax projections, including preparing Form 706, U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Returns, and Form 1023 (Application for Tax-Exempt Status).
- Effective oral and written communication skills needed to draft and proofread correspondence and various estate planning.
- Legal research and review of Official Records and Court Filings
- Tracking and billing time to client files.
- Managing electronic and paper case files.
- The above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to otherwise balance the workload.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Must have bachelor’s degree or comparable experience.
- Must have a minimum of five years of law firm administrative experience, preferably as a probate and trust paralegal.
- Trust and estates experience preferred.
- Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) preferred.
Knowledge Requirements
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including extensive knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel and experience working with law firm case management and billing software required. Knowledge of FileSite, CMS, SmartTime, and Aderant a plus.
- EstateWorks and Wealth Counsel software experience helpful.
- Ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and time constraints.
- Ability to effectively balance assignments and workflow.
- Ability to multitask and handle multiple responsibilities and high volume is crucial.
- Strong attention to detail, initiative, and follow-through required.
- Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly express thoughts to others and exchange information.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, vendors, and the public.
- Significant client facing experience.
- Familiarity with financial documents and tax returns.
- Work in collaboration within a group and individually to ensure that clients are satisfied, includes the desire to understand client concerns and build trust.
OTHER INFORMATION
- Usual work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch. Overtime work is generally not required.
- Great benefits package, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick time, 401(k), health benefits, and more.
- A criminal background check is required and must be successfully completed prior to employment.
- Technology training for firm utilized software is provided during onboarding.
