Trust & Estates Paralegal – Newark, NJ

McCarter & English, LLP is seeking a Trust & Estates Paralegal to be based in our Newark, NJ office.  The salary range for this position is $50,000 – $110,000 annually, depending on experience. If you have relevant experience, we invite you to consider joining our team. Candidates who receive an offer of employment will be processed through a background check which will be an individualized assessment based on the applicant’s or employee’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the specific job. Please send your resume and cover letter to the attention of Christine Lydon, Esq.,
General Job Tasks and Responsibilities
In connection with estate planning:
Prepare initial drafts of wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance directives for medical care for attorney review
Assist in updates to beneficiary designations to coordinate with new estate planning documents
Organize paper and electronic estate planning files
Work closely with attorneys and assistants in docketing and final presentation of documents to clients
Maintain list of gift tax returns required on an ongoing basis
Prepare U.S. Gift Tax Return (Form 709) and its exhibits for attorney review
In connection with estate administration:
Monitor deadlines in connection with numerous estates
Work with clients to assemble information needed for probate or administration
Maintain organized paper and electronic files on a current basis
Prepare documents needed to commence the probate / administration process; coordinate with Court to provide any additional information needed
Facilitate executor’s / administrator’s appearance at Court to accept appointment
Send notice of probate to designated individuals; filing confirmation with Court
Work closely with attorneys to gather documents and information in connection with the assets in the decedent’s gross estate
Arrange for appraisals of real estate and tangible personal property
Use valuation software (EstateVal – EVP) to value marketable securities
Assemble and evaluate debts of decedent, expenses of administration as possible deductions
Prepare for attorney review:
Federal Estate Tax Return (Form 706) and its exhibits
Federal Form 8971 (cost basis information to beneficiaries)
State Estate and Inheritance Tax Returns (e.g. New Jersey, New York) and their exhibits
Coordinate response to requests for additional information from tax authorities
Prepare draft of waivers of accounting, approval of administration for beneficiaries
Prepare formal, scheduled accounting for submission to Court, Attorney General
Assist in the funding of marital and non-marital trusts and the transfer of assets to beneficiaries
Experience with assisting attorneys with litigated matters, such as preparing petitions, court papers and judicial accountings, is a plus.
General
Ability to interact on a friendly, knowledgeable basis with clients and outside advisors
Good communication and teamwork skills
Coordinate with vendors as needed, manage software updates with the firm’s IT department
Coordinate logistics and assist attorneys during client meetings and document executions
Maintain attorney calendars
Perform legal, factual and internet research
Perform records research
Prepare correspondence
Prepare written status reports
Proofread documents for accuracy
Organize and track case files
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies program required. Previous estate planning and administration experience preferred.
New Jersey Notary Public preferred (New York Notary Public a plus)
Benefits (if FTE requirements met):
Firm-Paid:  Basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance and short-term (ST) and long-term (LT) disability benefits.
Health & Wellness:  Comprehensive medical/prescription drug coverage (the Firm pays a share of the cost), including a high deductible health plan with an annual Firm health savings account (HSA) contribution.
Employee-Paid Voluntary Benefits:  Dental and vision coverage, supplemental health plans (accident, cancer and critical illness), flexible spending accounts, optional life and AD&D insurance (supplemental employee, spouse and child) and supplemental STD coverage.
Retirement: 401(k) plan offering three types of contributions:  pre-tax, Roth and after-tax contributions.
Time Off:  Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays, and leaves of absence to support work-life balance (e.g. parental leave)
Additional Benefits:
Free and confidential employee assistance program (EAP) and behavioral health services program
Firm-paid back-up child/elder care, academic support and pet care program
Tax-advantaged college savings 529 Plan
Employee discounts through Working Advantage
Other Compensation:
Eligibility for discretionary bonus.
McCarter & English, LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.