NYC Trusts & Estates Paralegal

Company Description

Kozusko Harris Vetter Wareh Duncan LLP is a private client law firm specializing in providing tailored legal counsel to highly successful individuals, families, and their enterprises. We offer expertise in domestic and international private client matters, including tax planning, trusts and estates, family offices, significant business transactions, and philanthropy. Our firm is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and legal solutions to meet the unique needs of our diverse clientele. We are committed to building long-term relationships based on trust, integrity, and understanding.

Role Description

Our New York office is seeking an experienced Paralegal with specialized expertise in trusts and estates. The Paralegal provides support for domestic and international private clients, and private business advice for successful individuals and families, family offices, private businesses, and entrepreneurs. This is a newly created role as a result of business growth. The Paralegal will work primarily in the areas of trusts and estates.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist attorneys in preparing complex estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives
• Draft and review estate administration documents and probate court filings
• Conduct thorough legal research on estate law, tax implications, and trust regulations
• Maintain confidential client files and manage document organization
• Communicate with clients, financial institutions, and court personnel
• Coordinate estate asset inventories and valuations
• Assist with estate tax planning and compliance
• Prepare and submit court documents for probate proceedings
• Prepare trust accountings
• Prepare gift and estate tax returns – Domestic and Foreign
• Obtain Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN)

Qualifications

• 3 years' experience as a Trusts & Estates Paralegal at a law firm
• Comprehensive knowledge of NY state estate planning regulations
• Ability to prepare probate petitions for all NY Surrogate’s Courts (both for NY and non-NY domiciliaries)
• Full knowledge of estate administration from the transfer of the decedent’s assets to the estate, and then to beneficiaries; payment of creditor claims
• Knowledge and experience in trust administration including preparation of addition and withdrawal right letters for contributions to trusts; administration of life insurance trusts
• Preparation of accounts, including informal accounts, and receipt and release agreements for beneficiaries of estates and trusts
• Formation of business entities (LLCs) and first draft of the operating agreements for them
• Facility with the steps necessary to prepare US estate and gift tax returns including preparation of the initial draft of the returns
• Proficiency in legal research databases
• Proficiency with tax and accounting software (e.g., FAS/FPS, GEMS, etc.)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams
• Able to effectively prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines
• Team player with demonstrated ability to work with personnel and clients at all levels
• Reliable with strong work ethic
• Demonstrated commitment to delivering the highest level of client support, and exceptional quality work at all times
• Organized with strong attention to detail
• Personable and professional demeanor
• Superior written and oral communication skills

Job Type: Full-time, Monday through Friday (9:00 am to 5:00 pm)

Pay: $120,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

Experience: Wills, trusts, and estate law: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute: New York, NY 10022 (Required)