Paralegal

About the Role:

As a Trusts & Estates Paralegal, you will provide substantive legal and administrative support across estate and trust administration, Surrogate's Court proceedings and estate-related litigation.

You will have the opportunity to work directly with attorneys, clients, fiduciaries, beneficiaries, accountants, tax professionals and financial institutions while helping ensure matters move efficiently from initial filing through administration, distribution and closing.

The role offers a diverse workload and meaningful responsibility, including preparing court filings, organizing financial and asset information, supporting fiduciary matters, coordinating litigation activities and maintaining accurate legal records.

Key Responsibilities:

Estate & Trust Administration

• Assist with the preparation and filing of probate and administration proceedings in Surrogate's Court
• Prepare and file probate and administration petitions, waivers, citations and related court documents
• Collect, review and organize asset and financial information, including bank accounts, real estate and investment records
• Prepare asset charts, informal accountings and supporting documentation for estate and trust matters
• Assist with the preparation of estate tax returns and related financial documentation
• Communicate professionally with executors, trustees, beneficiaries, accountants, tax professionals and financial institutions
• Support estate distributions and assist with the administration and closing of estates
• Maintain organized matter files and ensure important deadlines, filings and documentation are properly tracked

Surrogate's Court Litigation

• Support a variety of Surrogate's Court proceedings, including will contests, fiduciary disputes and contested accountings
• Assist with drafting pleadings, motions, discovery demands and other litigation documents
• Coordinate service of citations, orders to show cause and other legal documents
• Manage document review, exhibits and materials for hearings and trial preparation
• Assist with the coordination of depositions, hearings, conferences and court calendars
• Organize litigation files and maintain accurate records throughout the progression of each matter

Legal & Administrative Support

• Provide high-quality support to multiple attorneys within the Trusts & Estates practice
• Proofread and organize legal documents, memoranda and correspondence to ensure accuracy, consistency and professional presentation
• Perform document formatting, redlining and other document production tasks
• Organize and maintain accurate physical and electronic client and matter files
• Transcribe, scan and electronically distribute legal documents as needed
• Assist with departmental workflow and overflow assignments during periods of increased activity
• Contribute to an organized, collaborative and responsive team environment

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or Paralegal Certificate
• Minimum of 3 years of experience supporting estate and trust administration matters
• Experience preparing probate and administration petitions, estate and trust accountings, estate tax returns and general Surrogate's Court pleadings
• Working knowledge of applicable New York procedural law, including EPTL, SCPA and CPLR
• Familiarity with applicable local court rules and Surrogate's Court procedures
• Strong working knowledge of New York's electronic filing system, NYSCEF
• Experience communicating professionally with clients, attorneys, tax professionals, fiduciaries and family members
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and HotDocs
• Experience using estate tax and accounting software
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple matters and competing priorities
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team
• Professional judgment, discretion and a client-service mindset

Why Join Us:

• Join a well-established and respected Long Island legal practice with a strong professional reputation
• Work on a diverse range of sophisticated Trusts & Estates, estate administration and Surrogate's Court litigation matters
• Take on meaningful responsibilities and play an active role in moving matters forward
• Work closely with experienced attorneys and legal professionals in a collaborative team environment
• Gain exposure to complex estate, fiduciary and litigation matters that can strengthen your long-term legal career
• Build professional relationships with attorneys, clients, fiduciaries, accountants, tax professionals and financial institutions
• Enjoy a role with variety, where no two matters or workdays are exactly the same
• Be part of a growing practice with opportunities to expand your knowledge and professional capabilities
• Work in an environment that values accuracy, organization, initiative and high-quality client service
• Have the opportunity to contribute ideas, take ownership of your work and become a trusted member of the legal team
• Receive competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being
• Join a workplace that values collaboration, professionalism and long-term employee success

Compensation & Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off
• Competitive compensation
• Opportunity to work with an experienced and collaborative legal team
• Professional growth within an established and growing Trusts & Estates practice