Paralegal - Estate & Trust

Job Description

Estate & Trust Paralegal

Location: Lancaster, PA 17602 (in-office)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $80,000–$90,000/year, commensurate with experience

About the Opportunity

An established law firm is seeking a full-time Estate & Trust Paralegal to join its Estates and Trusts Practice Group. This role reports directly to the attorneys in the group and provides high-level daily support with an emphasis on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and elder law matters. Candidates with experience in estate administration or estate planning are strongly preferred.

This position requires considerable client interaction, so strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills are essential.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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• File legal documents with courts and local, state, and federal agencies, including the Prothonotary, Register of Wills, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, and IRS
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• Assist attorneys with estate and trust administration
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• Prepare and file Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax Returns and Federal Form 706
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• Prepare final accountings, releases, and distributions
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• Establish and maintain estate and trust accounts
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• Assist with estate planning and administration as directed by attorneys
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• Support Medicare and Medicaid matters as directed by attorneys
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• Supervise legal assistants
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• Other duties as assigned by attorneys or the Managing Partner, including support to other departments as needed
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Competencies

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• Knowledge of estate administration procedures and ability to draft estate and trust documents under attorney direction
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• Strong command of legal terminology, correct English usage, and document/correspondence formatting
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• Proficient with office equipment, computers, and word processing systems
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• Skilled at managing filing systems, client communications, and appointment scheduling
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• Able to follow complex instructions, apply firm guidelines independently, and prioritize competing deadlines
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• Comfortable performing mathematical calculations and using legal reference materials (e.g., Bluebook, procedure manuals)
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• Maintains composure under pressure and exercises sound judgment, diplomacy, and discretion
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Minimum Qualifications

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• Associate's degree, paralegal certification, or equivalent relevant work experience (3+ years' paralegal experience preferred)
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• Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
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• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365; familiarity with Lackner and ProLaw a plus
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• Conscientious work habits and superior attention to detail
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Benefits

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• Comprehensive, competitive benefits package
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• ~95% of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums covered by the firm
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• 401(k) Safe Harbor Plan with 3% firm contribution
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• Negotiable PTO
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• Long-Term Disability Insurance
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