Paralegal – Estate Administration

Job description

Collegial trusts & estates team at Wolcott Rivers Gates is seeking an experienced estate administration paralegal to join the team. Responsibilities include managing estate and trust administration files; preparing estate and trust accountings using GEMS accounting software; and preparing income, gift, and estate tax returns. High proficiency in Excel, and experience with GEMS accounting software preferred; aptitude for numbers and attention to detail are a must.

What does someone in this role do?

• Enjoy working in a collaborative team environment and interacting through various forms of communication with attorneys, paralegals, administrative staff, courts, clients, and other parties.
• Prepare income, gift, and estate tax returns.
• Prepare estate and trust accountings using GEMS accounting software and are driven to explore new methods and leverage technology to create efficiencies for themselves and their team.
• Manage client files and fulfill administrative tasks necessary to facilitate and streamline the flow of information and keep the matters they are responsible for well-organized, updated, and on-track.
• Prioritize and track deadline-driven tasks and coordinate meetings with the responsible attorney and other staff, as needed, to review file status and ensure timely completion of all required tasks and filings; prepare bank reconciliations to accounting software; and handle the deposit and disbursement of all funds in connection with the administration of the estates and trusts they are responsible for.
• Maintain accurate and timely records with regard to timekeeping and client billing matters.
• Other duties as assigned.

How do you know if you have what it takes to be successful in this position?

§ YOU HAVE A SERVICE-MINDED ATTITUDE AND TAKE SATISFACTION IN HELPING THE TEAM BE SUCCESSFUL AND ACHIEVE ITS GOALS.

You strive to understand the bigger picture of any task or request so you can plan for the next steps. You easily recognize potential problems and take initiative to solve problems independently. You take satisfaction in helping others solve problems and always look for ways to assist your co-workers and teammates whenever you have down-time or when you see them struggling. You bring good vibes and a positive outlook to your team.

§ YOU ARE A SUPERSTAR WHEN IT COMES TO PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Customers love you, and you always communicate in the most polite and professional manner, whether it’s with a co-worker or a client. You even excel when dealing with difficult clients; your communications are always effective but respectful. Internally, you maintain a professional and positive work environment by facilitating effective communication and information sharing among professional, paraprofessional, management, and support staff.

§ YOU HOLD YOURSELF TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS, ARE FLEXIBLE, AND UNDERSTAND HOW TO STRATEGICALLY MANAGE TIME.

You work quickly but accurately, you are very organized, your attention to detail is impressive, and you are always prompt and prepared for every event or meeting. You are adaptable and maintain your composure even when things go wrong. You also understand the importance of acknowledging a mistake so it can be corrected as quickly as possible. You understand how to prioritize and quickly shift tasks to complete a variety of duties without letting anything fall through the cracks.

§ YOU ARE TECH-SAVVY.

You not only know the basics of the programs you regularly work in, but you take the extra step to learn more advanced features.

§ You have experience in trust administration, estate planning, or other related areas of law.

You have worked in a law firm or accounting firm setting for 7 or more years managing trust and estate administration matters and/or tax returns, OR have fewer years of experience (minimum of 3) along with a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, accounting, or another related area.

Qualified candidates must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and Outlook. Must be able to maintain a minimum typing speed of 45 words per minute. Experience in GEMS or other similar accounting software preferred.

Wolcott Rivers Gates is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Our continued success relies on our ability to provide a supportive, inclusive, and motivating environment where everyone has a role to play in delivering outstanding service to our clients.

To learn more about how you might become a part of our team, or to explore some of the benefits our firm provides to its employees, please visit our careers page at http://www.wolcottriversgates.com/about-the-firm/careers/.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• • What is your expected salary range?
• • What is your current typing speed in words per minute (WPM)? Hint: you can use a free online typing test such as https://www.speedtypingonline.com/typing-test if you are not sure or have not tested in a while.
• • Please provide any other details about relevant experience or your resume that you think should be taken into consideration. Before continuing on, please review your application to ensure you have provided a complete response to all questions and all responses and uploads (resumes and cover letters) have been proofed for typographical errors and grammar.
• • What skills and strengths do you possess that make you an ideal candidate for this position?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Paralegal (Trusts, Wills, Estates): 2 years (Preferred)
• Microsoft Excel: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person