Tax, Trusts, and Estates Paralegal

Job Description

Job Description

Purpose of Role:

We are seeking an experienced Tax, Trusts & Estates Paralegal to support attorneys in our sophisticated Tax, Trusts & Estates practice. This is a full-time position based in our Roseland office. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in estate administration, trust administration, and estate planning, with particular emphasis on tax-related matters. This role will support attorneys handling sophisticated estate and wealth transfer planning, trust and estate administration, estate and gift tax matters, fiduciary income tax matters, charitable planning, business succession planning, closely held business matters, and related tax compliance matters. The ideal candidate will have experience working with high-net-worth individuals, fiduciaries, family businesses, and professional advisors in a law firm environment.

Responsibilities:  

• Assist attorneys with all phases of estate, trust, tax, and business succession planning matters.
• Prepare probate, surrogate court, fiduciary, and tax-related filings and supporting documentation.
• Draft estate and trust administration documents, correspondence, beneficiary communications, and estate planning questionnaires.
• Gather, review, and organize financial records for the preparation of estate, gift, inheritance, fiduciary, and income tax returns, and assist with related tax compliance filings.
• Coordinate asset valuations, maintain estate and trust inventories, prepare accountings and supporting schedules, and assist with trust funding, beneficiary distributions, and post-death administration.
• Obtain tax identification numbers, prepare related IRS filings, and support tax controversy, audit, and governmental agency matters.
• Assist with the preparation and organization of federal estate tax returns (Form 706), gift tax returns (Form 709), fiduciary income tax returns, and supporting schedules and documentation.
• Assist with business entity formation, organizational documents, corporate records, business succession planning, charitable planning, and related transactional matters.
• Serve as a liaison with clients, accountants, financial advisors, trustees, executors, beneficiaries, and government agencies regarding estate, trust, and tax matters.
• Maintain matter files, calendars, filing deadlines, billing documentation, time records, and other administrative requirements in accordance with firm policies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and/or Paralegal Certificate.
• 7+ years of experience as a Trusts & Estates or Tax Paralegal, preferably in a law firm environment.
• Experience supporting estate and trust administration matters from inception through closing.
• Experience assisting with estate, inheritance, gift, fiduciary income tax, and related tax filings preferred.
• Familiarity with probate procedures and surrogate court filings.
• Knowledge of trusts, wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and related estate planning documents.
• Experience gathering and organizing financial and tax information for attorneys and accountants.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Notary Public designation, or willingness to obtain one, preferred.
• Familiarity with estate tax preparation software and accounting systems is a plus.
• Willingness to work overtime, including occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.

Compensation & Benefits: This position offers a salary range of $95,000 - $130,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications. Support staff may also be eligible for discretionary year-end bonuses and a merit-based increase. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and access to additional voluntary programs. The posted salary range reflects the base pay range for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mandelbaum Barrett PC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.