Law - 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