What are the responsibilities and job description for the Trust & Estates Paralegal position at McCarter & English, LLP?
TRUST & ESTATES PARALEGAL
McCarter & 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@mccarter.com
General Job Tasks and Responsibilities :
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)
Connecticut Estate Tax Returns 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
Experience with assisting attorneys with litigated matters, such as preparing petitions, court papers and judicial accountings, would be beneficial.
General
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
Connecticut 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.
