Demo

Paralegal - Estate Planning & Administration

McCuiston Law Office PLLC
Cary, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 1/13/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/9/2025

Job Description

Job Description

McCuiston Law Offices is seeking a highly motivated estate planning   and administration paralegal who can produce quality work in our dynamic, fast-paced environment. We are a small, highly productive firm, where organization and multi-tasking are key metrics of success. Our tight-knit team currently comprises two attorneys, one legal assistant, and another experienced tax and estate administration paralegal. The paralegal will also be expected to provide backup administrative and reception assistance as needed.

We are happy to train and educate the right candidate in our areas of expertise. Examples of professional backgrounds that are well aligned with this position :

  • Liberal arts with a degree in English, Journalism, Philosophy, or similar area
  • An individual with a strong writing background
  • An individual primarily trained in estate administration or estate planning drafting

In order to be successful, candidates must be hyper-organized, able to work independently, have acute attention to detail, and well attuned to client needs and relationship management. Time management is crucial. Of course, we allow room for some fun along the way, but our small team necessitates focused work in order to achieve the output our clients have come to expect.

This position will also have the benefit of training time with our resigning estate planning paralegal before her departure in August 2025, softening the learning curve and setting clear expectations, while also receiving ongoing training from the firm’s semi-retired estate planning paralegal (with 20 years’ experience).

This is a full-time position, but part-time status (30 hours) will be considered for candidates with at least five years of paralegal experience in relevant fields. This is not a remote position. Presence at will signings is a requirement.

A successful candidate will contribute to our business, and help it grow organically, giving the firm the capacity to ultimately take on more clients.

If you are passionate about helping people, thrive in a demanding environment, and possess the below requirements and preferred qualifications, we look forward to reviewing your application!

Responsibilities

Estate Planning (approximately 60%)

  • Drafting Wills, Trust Agreements, and Powers of Attorney.
  • Drafting correspondence to accompany documents.
  • Retrieving deed information through various Register of Deed resources.
  • Client communications via phone and email, including ensuring all required information is collected.
  • Organizing and maintaining case and client files to effectuate 60-day signing goals.
  • Printing estate planning documents and arranging notarization.
  • Corporate (approximately 10%)

  • Drafting and filing Articles of Organization (Incorporation) with the NC Secretary of State.
  • Drafting legal documents, predominantly corporate and LLC notebook documents.
  • Obtaining client EIN through IRS website and preparing other IRS forms.
  • Communicating with clients to retrieve information and forward documents.
  • General and Administrative (approximately 20%)

  • Delegating new client intake forms and answering phone calls.
  • Supporting the work of firm’s legal assistant, as required.
  • Tracking deadlines and managing attorney calendars as they relate to upcoming deadlines and appointments.
  • Maintaining accurate timekeeping records in law practice management software.
  • Reviewing and editing client billing statements.
  • Tax Controversy

  • Not expected, but a successful applicant with an accounting background will be trained.
  • Requirements

  • Superb written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Project Management with proven results.
  • Acute attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with minimal supervision.
  • Certified as Notary Public or willing to gain certification.
  • Preferred Qualifications

  • Minimum three years’ experience administering estates or drafting estate planning documents.
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Preference may be given to those with focused studies in English, Journalism, or other writing-focused studies.
  • Associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or similar field of study.
  • Experience with law firm billing and billing software, including QuickBooks.
  • Familiarity with cloud-based law practice management programs, including CosmoLex.
  • Accounting degree or background – not required, but a plus.
  • A cover letter and / or writing samples is not required for this position, but will be favorable when considering applications.
  • Compensation

  • 20-$35 an hour, commensurate with skills and experience.
  • Opportunity for compensation exceeding target range for paralegal who demonstrates :
  • o   A high degree of dedication, evidenced by client output and billable hours.

    o   Ability to improve law firm management and efficiency.

    o   Willingness to learn our practice areas, especially tax controversy, and shows an aptitude in these areas.

    o   Additional consideration given for experience in tax, accounting, and IRS representation.

    Benefits

  • Paid vacation and Federal holidays
  • 401K plan with employer match
  • Paid NC State dues and required CLE, if applicable
  • Fridays off during months of June, July, and August (otherwise to 12 p.m. Fridays)
  • Tuition payment (or reimbursement) for coursework related to firm practice areas
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Convenient location in Cary with ample parking, access to public transportation, and nearby food and retail.
  • McCuiston Law Offices, PLLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of employment, including retirement, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, and termination.

    Company Description

    McCuiston Law Offices, PLLC is a small, busy firm practicing in estate planning and administration, business law, and tax controversy, serving Cary and Western Wake County since 2001.

    Company Description

    McCuiston Law Offices, PLLC is a small, busy firm practicing in estate planning and administration, business law, and tax controversy, serving Cary and Western Wake County since 2001.

    Salary : $20 - $35

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