Trust & Estate Paralegal
Location: Chicago, IL
Salary Range
$70,000 – $95,000 annually (commensurate with experience)
A well-established and growing legal practice is seeking an experienced Trust & Estate Paralegal to support its estate planning and administration team. This role offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated probate, trust administration, and tax matters within a collaborative, client-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage all phases of probate administration, including preparation and filing of petitions, inventories, accountings, and related court documents
- Support trust administration, including asset transfers, valuations, and distributions to beneficiaries
- Coordinate asset collection, communicate with financial institutions, and prepare summaries for tax reporting
- Assist with preparation of federal and state estate tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, and gift tax filings
- Serve as a point of contact for clients, trustees, beneficiaries, and outside advisors
- Conduct research on tax regulations and compliance requirements
- Maintain organized electronic case files and monitor deadlines to ensure timely filings
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in trust and estate administration, estate planning, or tax preparation
- Must have experience with gift tax fillings
- Paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved program required; bachelor’s degree preferred
- Background in accounting or tax is a plus
Skills & Expertise
- Strong knowledge of probate procedures, fiduciary accounting, and tax filings
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and document management systems
- Experience with tax or accounting software preferred
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Professional, empathetic approach when working with clients in sensitive situations
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer contribution
- Generous paid time off and company holidays
- Life and disability insurance
- Professional development and continuing education support
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
- The California Fair Chance Act
- Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
- Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
- San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
