Estate Planning and Administration Paralegal – North Barrington, Illinois

Responsible for administrative support for attorneys in the estate planning and/administration department including drafting legal documents, handling client inquiries, preparing all documentation in a precise manner and performing technical duties as needed on a daily basis.

Responsibilities:

• Communicate with clients to gather necessary information, provide updates on case progress, and answer questions regarding estate and trust matters.
• Assist attorneys in managing estate and trust administration cases, including organizing files, maintaining calendars, and tracking deadlines.
• Draft and prepare various legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate administration forms.
• Facilitate the probate process by preparing and filing necessary court documents, communicating with court personnel, and coordinating asset valuation and distribution.
• Assist with the administration of trusts, including funding trusts, maintaining trust records, preparing accountings, and distributing assets to beneficiaries according to trust terms.
• Compile and maintain detailed inventories of estate assets, including real estate, financial accounts, personal property, and other assets.
• Communicate with beneficiaries regarding their inheritance, provide information on estate and trust matters, and facilitate beneficiary distributions.
• Assist with the preparation and filing of estate tax returns, including gathering necessary information, calculating tax liabilities, and ensuring compliance with tax laws.
• Conduct legal research on estate and trust laws, regulations, and procedures to support attorneys in case preparation and strategy.
• Reconcile financial accounts, review statements, and ensure accuracy in asset valuations and distributions during estate and trust administration.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of estate and trust administration activities, including correspondence, documents, and financial transactions.
• Collaborate with attorneys, other paralegals, and support staff to ensure efficient case management and delivery of high-quality legal services to clients.
• Maintain office procedures;
• Maintain and update existing document production forms and systems;
• Maintain confidentiality and work independently;
• All other projects as assigned.

Education/Training:

BA degree or paralegal certificate preferred and a minimum of three (3) years related work experience required

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Paralegal Certificate (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person