Trust & Estates Paralegal

TRUST & ESTATES PARALEGALMcCarter & English, LLP seeks a Trust & Estates Paralegal to be based in the Hartford, CT office. If you have relevant experience, we invite you to consider joining our team. Please send your resume and cover letter to the attention of Christine Lydon, Esq., at recruiting@General Job Tasks and ResponsibilitiesIn connection with estate planning:Prepare initial drafts of wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance directives for medical care for attorney reviewAssist in updates to beneficiary designations and the like to coordinate with new estate planning documentsOrganize paper and electronic estate planning filesWork closely with attorneys and assistants in docketing and final presentation of documents to clientsMaintain list of gift tax returns required on an ongoing basisPrepare U.S. Gift Tax Return (Form 709) and its exhibits for attorney reviewIn connection with estate administration:Monitor deadlines in connection with numerous estatesWork with clients to assemble information needed for probate or administrationMaintain organized paper and electronic files on a current basisPrepare documents needed to commence the probate / administration process; coordinate with Court to provide any additional information neededFacilitate executor's / administrator's appearance at Court to accept appointmentSend notice of probate to designated individuals; filing confirmation of same with CourtWork closely with attorney to gather documents and information in connection with the assets in the decedent's gross estateArrange for appraisals of real estate and tangible personal propertyUse valuation software (EstateVal - EVP) to value marketable securitiesAssemble and evaluate debts of decedent, expenses of administration as possible deductionsPrepare for attorney review:Federal Estate Tax Return (Form 706) and its exhibitsFederal Form 8971 (cost basis information to beneficiaries)Connecticut Estate Tax Returns and their exhibits, as neededCoordinate response to requests for additional information from tax authoritiesPrepare draft of waivers of accounting, approval of administration for beneficiariesPrepare formal, scheduled accounting for submission to Court, Attorney GeneralAssist in the funding of marital and non-marital trusts and the transfer of assets to beneficiariesExperience with assisting attorneys with litigated matters, such as preparing petitions, court papers and judicial accountings, would be beneficial.GeneralMust be able to interact on a friendly, knowledgeable basis with clients and outside advisorsGood communication skills with attorneys are essential, to work closely as a teamCoordinate with vendors as needed, manage software updates with the firm's IT departmentCoordinate logistics and assist attorneys during client meetings and document executionsMaintain attorney calendarsPerform legal, factual and internet researchPerform records researchPrepare correspondencePrepare written status reportsProofread documents for accuracyOrganize and track case filesEducation and Experience:Bachelor's degree or certificate in paralegal studies program. Previous estate planning and administration experience preferredConnecticut Notary Public preferred (New York Notary Public a plus)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.

Created: 2025-02-17