Paralegal, Trusts & Estates

Job Description

Job Description

Department:  Trusts & Estates

Location:  Rochester

Classification:  Salaried non-exempt

Job Type:  Full-time M-F, 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM

Company Overview:

Woods Oviatt Gilman, LLP is a leading and reputable full-service law firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to our clients. With a team of highly skilled and experienced attorneys, we strive to deliver comprehensive and effective solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our headquarters is in Rochester, NY with additional offices in Albany and Buffalo, NY.

We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. We encourage open communication, teamwork, and professional growth. Our firm promotes a healthy work-life balance and supports the well-being of our employees.

Summary:

We are seeking a self-motivated Paralegal to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will manage all aspects of the estate and trust administration process, with substantial client interaction and collaboration with the department’s attorneys. This position provides an excellent opportunity to take on significant responsibilities and gain hands-on experience in a sophisticated, collaborative, and team-oriented work environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Secure documents related to the client’s estate
• Assist in valuing the assets in the estate
• Prepare documents and assist with creating and transferring assets into trusts to ease the probate process
• Prepare and file probate documents in the administration of an estate (petitions, motions, testamentary letters, inventories, accountings, and notices)
• Filing life insurance claims and other death benefits
• Contact beneficiaries and next of kin regarding admission of the will and other probate hearings
• Administer estate accounts and assist with the liquidation and transfer of property
• Prepare income tax returns for the estate or trust, including fiduciary income tax planning
• Prepare federal and/or NY estate tax returns
• Participate in the administration of guardianships and trusts
• Assist with name changes and adoption proceedings
• Assist with preparing estate documents for the attorney’s review (wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and living wills)

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in paralegal studies or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• 1-3 years of trust and estates administration experience as a paralegal 
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities
• Excellent initiative, follow-through, and work ethic
• Exceptional grammar, communication, and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and maintain composure in high-volume periods
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 4+ years of trusts and estates experience as a paralegal 
• Proficiency in estate planning and probate document drafting software

Other Duties:  Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. This is a snapshot of the core functions and responsibilities. All inquiries will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. The compensation range for this position is $52,000- $75,000 annually, representing our good faith and reasonable estimate of the potential compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on various factors, including the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skill set, and office location .

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value an open mind, dedication to work, and a collaborative spirit. We hire based on these qualities, a job’s requirements, our business needs, and an applicant’s qualifications. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind—in the hiring process or in the workplace. We comply with the ADA and consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants/employees to perform essential functions. We participate in E-Verify. We will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. We will only use E-Verify once an employee has accepted a job offer and completed Form I-9.