Private Client Paralegal (Trust & Estate)

Faegre Drinker Paralegal OpportunityFaegre Drinker, one of the 50 largest law firms headquartered in the U.S., is searching for a Paralegal to join our Private Client team in our Princeton or Florham Park office. As a Private Client Paralegal, you will support experienced lawyers in all aspects of estate administration, from inception through termination. This role is client facing and requires the ability to effectively communicate and work directly with clients. This position will work with other talented individuals who share a passion for doing great work in the best interest of our clients.What you would do:Establish close rapport with client and beneficiaries to ensure positive and cooperative working relationshipsAssist attorneys, as needed, in connection with drafting documentsCollect, analyze, and organize decedent's financial records, including tax returns, trust agreements, deeds, stock powers, and financial statements and assist with valuation of assetsDraft documents to assist the client to qualify as executor and trusteeEnsure proper publication and required notices as part of estate administrationConsider post-mortem estate planning and prepare disclaimer documentsCompile materials required in connection with an audit of estate and/or inheritance tax returnsPrepare state inheritance tax returns, federal estate tax returns, gift tax returns, as well as fiduciary tax returnsPrepare inventories, asset allocation agreements and asset transfer documents as well as receipts and releasesPrepare and file Accountings and related settlement documentsCoordinate distributions and funding transfers of estates and trustsCoordinate with other professionals and clients to obtain and analyze due diligence materials in preparation for filingSpecial projects and duties, as assignedWhat is expected:Energetic, organized, detail orientated and disciplined with the willingness to work hard.Ability to work well independently and as part of a team, through effective communication strategies.Ability to manage workflow and work under tight deadlines and other time constraints, with competing and shifting priorities.Ability to bill 1550 hours annually.Ability to effectively manage projects.Ability to create and work with excel spreadsheets to calculate financialsAbility to disseminate information from bank, brokerage and other financial statementsApply knowledge of the Uniform Probate Code to meet requirements for estate planning documentsWhat we offer:Flexible working environment for work-life successOpportunity to participate in firm-sponsored volunteer eventsWellness programming with personalized content and activitiesProfessional environment and the opportunity to work with experts at the top of their fieldsVariety of health plan options, as well as dental, vision and 401(k) plansGenerous paid time offThe anticipated initial hourly rate for someone who is hired into this position is $43.00– $50.00/hour based on a 37.5 hour a week schedule.Actual initial hourly rate may be above or below the above-identified range and will be based on the relevant skills, training, experience, and other job-related factors, including the location where the position is filled, in all cases consistent with applicable law. This is a non-exempt role paid on an hourly basis. The initial hourly rate listed above is just one component of Faegre Drinker's total compensation and benefits package for professional staff, which includes, but is not limited to, a discretionary bonus; life, health, accident, and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan.What is required:Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; paralegal certificate preferred5+ years of experience in trusts and estates in NJ requiredExperience as a paralegal in a law firm strongly preferredPrevious experience with tax programs for preparing state, federal, and gift tax returns estate and inheritance tax, fiduciary income tax, estate tax, and securities evaluationsExperience with any of the following systems is a plus: CCH Axcess tax, CCH ProSystem, OneSource, NumberCruncher, Tiger Tables, Zcalc, EstatValProficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)Experience entering and tracking billable time is a plusApply now if you are ready to join the Faegre Drinker team!