Estate Planning Paralegal

The paralegal is responsible for a full range of estate planning, probate, tax and corporate matters by providing assistance to the Firm’s attorneys in administering estates,  preparing estate planning, probate, and corporate documents, preparing various tax forms and tax returns (Form SS-4, Forms 1099, 709, 706, 1040, 1041, 990, 1042 and 5227), as well as client case management. Essential functions include:

• Prepare/assist with preparation of Gift Tax Returns, Estate Tax Returns, Fiduciary Income Tax Returns, Individual Income Tax Returns and Tax Returns for Non-Profit organizations using UltraTax CS or similar tax preparation software.
• Maintain financial records of trusts and estates; perform/prepare trust and estate accountings; audit accounts.
• Maintain G/L accounts, reconcile broker statements, prepare payables and bank deposits.
• Obtain and reconcile 1099 and K-1 statements.
• Revocable and irrevocable trust funding and administration (pre and post death).
• Probate administration, including drafting of probate pleadings and preparation of probate Inventories.
• Maintain close personal contact with clients.
• Learn/develop technical proficiency in database use and management; internet/electronic research; and project folder/electronic file maintenance.
• Independently organize and manage files or delegate similar tasks to Records Clerk and supervise same.
• Maintain professional demeanor and attitude.
• Comply with firm policies.
• Sustain high level of attention to detail and quality of work.
• Ability to interact in a professional and courteous manner with clients and employees at all times; professional appearance required.
• Ability to successfully perform position requirements with excellent organizational, time-management and prioritization skills required.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team; ability and willingness to adapt to changing business demands.
• Ability to produce acceptable amount of work efficiently and accurately; ability to produce quality final work product with little or no supervision and within established time limits and on-going deadlines.

Position Requirements:

• 3 or more years Trusts, Estates and Tax return preparation experience required.
• Paralegal certificate from ABA approved program preferred.
• Two years associate degree preferred; significant, substantive related experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Paralegal certification by NALA preferred .
• Accounting experience preferred
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Proven success working in a fast-paced, continually changing environment.
• Ability to prioritize; excellent time management.
• Corporate and Real Estate experience a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with tax and trust accounting software 
• Experience with document database programs and/or software.
• Significant client case management experience.
   

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance after probation time
• Paid vacation time and sick leave
• Healthy work-life balance is promoted as part of our company culture
• Fun, team-building events such as company dinners, tickets to live sporting events, etc.
• Assistance with obtaining or completing certification requirements applicable to the position
• Proudly recognized as one of Fort Worth’s Best Companies to Work For for four consecutive years by Fort Worth Inc.