Trust and Estate Paralegal
Burr Forman McNair has an immediate opening in the Hilton Head office for a full-time trust and estate paralegal. The successful candidate will assist lawyers with the preparation of documents necessary for estate planning and will provide assistance in the administration of estate and trust assets. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Set up, organize and maintain administration file.
- Update Estate Planning Data Form for client's review and completion.
- Calendar all applicable and relevant deadlines.
- Review and summarize existing estate planning documents and asset listings.
- Maintain tickler system for client follow up and deadlines.
- Prepare correspondence to client throughout administration, reminding of deadlines, next steps, and requesting information needed.
- Meet with and assist clients to review and obtain information, assist execution of documents and transfers of assets.
- Prepare initial drafts of probate filings (applications for probate of will, information to heirs and devisees, proofs of delivery, inventory of appraisement, accounting, proposal for distribution, receipts and releases with waivers, application for settlement, deeds of distribution), trust agreements, powers of attorney, and advanced directives for healthcare as required.
- Coordinate with CPAs regarding the preparation of fiduciary income tax returns, provide relevant information from file to CPAs, confer with CPA and draft tax return, if required, locate and assemble evidence of assets and their values, including requesting form 712 for insurance policies and asset appraisals.
- Prepare initial drafts of Trust accountings, proposal for distribution, receipt and releases with waiver, applicable notices, and gift tax returns.
- Organize and assemble supporting documentation for Federal Estate Tax Returns.
- Prepare initial draft of Federal Estate Tax Return (IRS Form 706) and related documents and calendar dates to ensure timely filing and settlement.
- Prepare online filings for lis pendens.
- Prepare filings for County Register of Deeds (local and throughout state)
- Edit documents and put in final form for execution.
- Obtain Employer Identification Numbers online.
- Contact IRS regarding status of files.
- Review will and locate witnesses; arrange for bond if necessary.
- Coordinate check requests from accounting or client, as applicable.
- Update and maintain database of estate planning clients.
- Update and maintain form wills and will/trust provisions.
- Organize corporations, LLCs, and LLPs, as required, and prepare related documents including agents and resolutions.
- Follow up to ensure client receives appropriate originals/copies of documents.
- Use with proficiency the following administration software: EVP Software, (Estate Valuation & Pricing Systems), Estate Planning Tools, Thomson Reuters 706 Software (OneSource)
- Prepare Petition for Probate of Will; obtain signature of client on same, then file with the Probate Court.
- Confer with CPA and draft estate tax return, if required; locate and assemble evidence of assets and their values, including requesting Form 712 for insurance policies and asset appraisals.
- Perform other duties as needed/requested.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS
Minimum two-year degree in paralegal studies or NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) certification. Prefer Bachelor's degree or equivalent from four-year college or university plus paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited program and 2 years applicable experience. Attention to detail, as well as strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook are required. Competitive pay and benefits package. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled.
Burr & Forman is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, and promoting lawyers and staff without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, military and protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, or disability.