Trust & Estates Paralegal

Trust & Estates Paralegal

About the Role:

A leading law firm is seeking a Trust & Estates Paralegal to join its Newark, NJ office. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional who wants to play a key role in estate planning and administration while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Compensation: $50,000 $110,000 annually (based on experience)

Why Join this firm?

• Impactful Work: Be directly involved in meaningful estate planning and administration, helping families and individuals navigate important life decisions.
• Professional Growth: Work alongside highly experienced attorneys, gaining exposure to both complex estate matters and litigation support.
• Supportive Team Culture: Collaborate in a friendly, professional environment where your contributions are valued.
• Comprehensive Benefits & Work-Life Balance: Access firm-paid insurance, medical coverage with HSA contributions, retirement planning, generous PTO, parental leave, and unique programs like backup child/elder care, pet care, and employee wellness resources.
• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary range with recognition for your experience and skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Estate Planning Support:

• Draft wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives for attorney review
• Assist with updates to beneficiary designations
• Organize and maintain paper/electronic planning files
• Prepare U.S. Gift Tax Return (Form 709) for attorney review
• Maintain gift tax return records

Estate Administration Support:

• Monitor estate deadlines and prepare probate/administration documents
• Work with clients to gather probate information and coordinate with courts
• Arrange appraisals of real estate and personal property
• Use EstateVal (EVP) software for securities valuation
• Prepare for attorney review:
  • Federal Estate Tax Return (Form 706)
  • Federal Form 8971
  • State Estate & Inheritance Tax Returns (NJ, NY)
• Assist with funding of marital/non-marital trusts and asset transfers
• Support litigated estate matters by preparing petitions, court filings, and judicial accountings

General Paralegal Support:

• Coordinate with attorneys, clients, vendors, and advisors
• Prepare correspondence, reports, and research materials
• Organize and track case files, proofread documents, and maintain attorney calendars
• Support attorneys during client meetings and document execution

• Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or certificate in paralegal studies (required)

• Previous experience in estate planning/administration (preferred)
• NJ Notary Public (preferred); NY Notary Public (a plus)
• Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills

Benefits (for Full-Time Employees):

• Firm-Paid: Life insurance, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability
• Health & Wellness: Medical/prescription coverage, HSA with firm contribution, voluntary dental/vision, supplemental plans
• Retirement: 401(k) with pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax options
• Time Off: PTO, holidays, parental leave, and work-life balance support
• Additional Perks: EAP services, backup child/elder care, pet care support, academic tutoring, 529 college savings plan, employee discount