Trust & Estates Paralegal
Reed Smith LLP, New York, NY, United States
Position summary
Under general supervision and in alignment with established policies and procedures, the Trusts & Estates Paralegal provides legal and general support to the firm's attorneys and clients. This role requires familiarity with the firm's internal guidelines and a commitment to following them. Must maintain positive working relationships with attorneys (both in-house and external counsel), support staff, clients, and vendors. Observes confidentiality in all client and firm matters. This position is dynamic, and the duties and responsibilities may evolve based on the needs of the firm.
Job Duties And Responsibilities
Administer trust accounts for the wealth preservation practice group
Manage bookkeeping, distributions, and record‑keeping for trust and estate accounts
Prepare and review annual trust account statements
Experience in preparing Estate and Gift Tax returns
Oversee tax filings and court submissions, including probate and other estate and trust‑related surrogate's court filings
Compile documentation for gifts to trusts
Implement and manage trust and estate distribution policies
Monitor investment strategies and analyze monthly trust statements
Create and manage budgets to forecast trust income, expenses, and beneficiary distributions
Draft trust agreements and related legal documents
Process trust‑related payments, including checks and letters of authorization for distributions and expenses
Provide administrative support to ensure trustee compliance with fiduciary obligations and executor compliance
Prepare reports for trust accountants and financial advisors
Maintain regular communication with trustees, trust grantors, beneficiaries, and beneficiaries
Familiarity with industry‑standard tax software is a plus
Ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys, staff, and clients
Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time.
Requirements
Education: Undergraduate degree and paralegal certificate required; will consider candidate with comparable relevant legal experience in lieu of a paralegal certificate.
Experience: Estate and Trust Administrator/Paralegal with at least 7 years of experience in accounting, tax, trust, or estates.
Skills
Experience with programs such as UltraTax to prepare fiduciary income tax and estate tax returns, as well as Excel and accounting software
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively at all organizational levels
Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Flexible and adaptable, able to thrive in an environment with constantly changing priorities
Must have keen problem‑solving and troubleshooting abilities and solutions‑oriented thinking
Ability to work under pressure with composure and resilience in a fast‑paced and dynamic work environment
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion and adapt to changing work situations
Other
Supervisory responsibilities: None
Equipment To Be Used
Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax machine, copier, scanner, etc.
Essential Job Functions
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged use of hands, fingers, and wrists, including extensive computer use
Proficiency in using technology, including computers, telecommunication devices, and other office equipment
Flexibility to work extended hours as needed to meet business demands
Working Conditions
This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of four full days per week in the office. Specific scheduling details will be discussed with your direct supervisor. Occasional extended hours may be needed to meet business needs.
Pay ranges
This represents the presently anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith's pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience. This is a non‑exempt position. The hourly wage range for this role is $54.35 to $66.67, with an estimated annual compensation range of $106,000 to $130,000, based on expected hours.
Employee Benefits Overview
401(k) Retirement Plan
Medical Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Virtual Health Services
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Accident Insurance
Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance
Life Insurance
Short-Term Disability Coverage
Long-Term Disability Coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
Transportation Benefit
Back-up Child Care Services
College Coach Program
Pet Insurance
Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non‑temporary employees)
Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.
Qualified candidates only. No search firms.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Under general supervision and in alignment with established policies and procedures, the Trusts & Estates Paralegal provides legal and general support to the firm's attorneys and clients. This role requires familiarity with the firm's internal guidelines and a commitment to following them. Must maintain positive working relationships with attorneys (both in-house and external counsel), support staff, clients, and vendors. Observes confidentiality in all client and firm matters. This position is dynamic, and the duties and responsibilities may evolve based on the needs of the firm.
Job Duties And Responsibilities
Administer trust accounts for the wealth preservation practice group
Manage bookkeeping, distributions, and record‑keeping for trust and estate accounts
Prepare and review annual trust account statements
Experience in preparing Estate and Gift Tax returns
Oversee tax filings and court submissions, including probate and other estate and trust‑related surrogate's court filings
Compile documentation for gifts to trusts
Implement and manage trust and estate distribution policies
Monitor investment strategies and analyze monthly trust statements
Create and manage budgets to forecast trust income, expenses, and beneficiary distributions
Draft trust agreements and related legal documents
Process trust‑related payments, including checks and letters of authorization for distributions and expenses
Provide administrative support to ensure trustee compliance with fiduciary obligations and executor compliance
Prepare reports for trust accountants and financial advisors
Maintain regular communication with trustees, trust grantors, beneficiaries, and beneficiaries
Familiarity with industry‑standard tax software is a plus
Ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys, staff, and clients
Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time.
Requirements
Education: Undergraduate degree and paralegal certificate required; will consider candidate with comparable relevant legal experience in lieu of a paralegal certificate.
Experience: Estate and Trust Administrator/Paralegal with at least 7 years of experience in accounting, tax, trust, or estates.
Skills
Experience with programs such as UltraTax to prepare fiduciary income tax and estate tax returns, as well as Excel and accounting software
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively at all organizational levels
Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Flexible and adaptable, able to thrive in an environment with constantly changing priorities
Must have keen problem‑solving and troubleshooting abilities and solutions‑oriented thinking
Ability to work under pressure with composure and resilience in a fast‑paced and dynamic work environment
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion and adapt to changing work situations
Other
Supervisory responsibilities: None
Equipment To Be Used
Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax machine, copier, scanner, etc.
Essential Job Functions
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged use of hands, fingers, and wrists, including extensive computer use
Proficiency in using technology, including computers, telecommunication devices, and other office equipment
Flexibility to work extended hours as needed to meet business demands
Working Conditions
This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of four full days per week in the office. Specific scheduling details will be discussed with your direct supervisor. Occasional extended hours may be needed to meet business needs.
Pay ranges
This represents the presently anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith's pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience. This is a non‑exempt position. The hourly wage range for this role is $54.35 to $66.67, with an estimated annual compensation range of $106,000 to $130,000, based on expected hours.
Employee Benefits Overview
401(k) Retirement Plan
Medical Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Virtual Health Services
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Accident Insurance
Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance
Life Insurance
Short-Term Disability Coverage
Long-Term Disability Coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
Transportation Benefit
Back-up Child Care Services
College Coach Program
Pet Insurance
Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non‑temporary employees)
Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.
Qualified candidates only. No search firms.
#J-18808-Ljbffr