Trust & Estates Paralegal

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 the areas of 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

Our comprehensive benefits package includes: 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 offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code, and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and a generous 401(k) plan.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Key skills/competency

• Trusts and Estates Paralegal
• Estate and Trust Administration
• Fiduciary Accounting
• Tax Preparation (Estate and Gift Tax)
• Probate Court Filings
• Legal Document Drafting
• Client Communication
• Financial Analysis
• Legal Research
• UltraTax Software