What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estate Administrator position at Goulston & Storrs?
SUMMARY:
Goulston & Storrs, an Am Law 200 law firm, has an immediate need for a motivated, analytical, and detail-oriented Estate Administrator to manage the administration of taxable estates, including estates with complex and illiquid assets. This role requires a professional who can work both independently and collaboratively.
The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 5 years of estate administration experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment, along with a strong working knowledge of estate planning techniques and Federal and Massachusetts estate and fiduciary income tax laws.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for all aspects of estate administration;
- Prepare and file Massachusetts Probate Court documents and manage related proceedings, including preparation and review of probate accountings;
- Prepare Federal and Massachusetts estate tax returns, as well as other state estate tax returns as required;
- Collect assets, create asset lists, value assets, calculate estate tax estimates, calculate commissions, prepare instruments of distribution and receipts, prepare correspondence to clients, beneficiaries and advisors, participate in post-mortem income tax planning, transfer property to beneficiaries, prepare probate accountings, and fund formula distributions to marital and exemption trusts;
- Coordinate and execute post-mortem tax planning strategies in collaboration with attorneys and tax professionals;
- Oversee transfer of assets to beneficiaries, including preparation of distribution documentation, receipts, and releases;
- Review and process estate and trust account activity, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation;
- Be a reliable, responsive, confident resource to attorneys, fiduciaries, and family members throughout the estate administration process.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Experience with all aspects of probate and estate administration in Massachusetts.
- Skilled in independently drafting Federal and state estate tax returns.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PDF programs and Outlook. Knowledge of estate tax program GEMS preferred.
- Excellent project management skills, including prioritizing multiple deadlines and deliverables.
- Professional written communication and interpersonal skills with ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, advisors and colleagues.
- Ability to work independently, while also being flexible and an active contributor to the estate administration team.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree required;
- 5 years of estate and trust administration experience (law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred).
ABOUT GOULSTON & STORRS
Goulston & Storrs is a modern, forward-thinking AmLaw 200 firm with a collaborative culture and a commitment to client service excellence. We combine deep industry knowledge with practical, relationship-driven lawyering across real estate, corporate, litigation, and private client practices. The firm’s success is built on teamwork, respect, and a genuine investment in its people — making it a distinctive environment for professionals who thrive in a collegial and high-performing setting.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Goulston & Storrs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, handicap, disability or veteran status in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Goulston & Storrs complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
Salary : $100,000 - $125,000