About the Role
Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP, an established and respected law firm, is seeking an experienced Trusts and Estates Paralegal to join their collaborative team. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional to manage sophisticated estate and trust matters while providing exceptional service to clients during important life transitions.
Responsibilities
- Manage all phases of estate and trust administration.
- Identify, gather, value, and transfer estate assets.
- Prepare probate petitions, inventories, accountings, and other Surrogate's Court filings.
- File and manage probate proceedings throughout New York State.
- Monitor court deadlines and maintain accurate case calendars.
- Conduct research to identify and locate heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Review wills, trusts, and related estate planning documents with attorneys to ensure proper administration and trust funding.
- Prepare federal and state fiduciary income tax returns, estate tax returns, and personal income tax returns.
- Coordinate with financial institutions, accountants, beneficiaries, and other professionals throughout the administration process.
- Utilize legal and tax research resources to resolve procedural and administrative issues.
- Assist with estate administrations in other jurisdictions, particularly Pennsylvania and Florida.
Requirements
- Compassionate, organized professional who enjoys working independently while also collaborating with attorneys and colleagues.
- Empathy, professionalism, and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Outstanding organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and mathematical abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Superior client service skills with the ability to communicate compassionately with clients during difficult circumstances.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong technology skills and the ability to quickly learn new software and processes.
- Initiative to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
- Willingness to mentor others and learn from experienced colleagues.
- Three to five years of Trusts and Estates paralegal experience in a medium or large law firm preferred.
- Demonstrated experience handling all aspects of estate and trust administration.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Experience with ProLaw and ProSystem Fx Tax is preferred.
- Familiarity with estate administration procedures in Pennsylvania and/or Florida is a plus.
Skills
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Analytical abilities
- Mathematical abilities
- Written communication skills
- Verbal communication skills
- Client service skills
- Technology skills
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- ProLaw
- ProSystem Fx Tax
Location
- New York State
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- 3-5 years of Trusts and Estates paralegal experience
Education Level
- Bachelor's degree preferred
- Paralegal certificate preferred
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package
About the Company
- Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP is an established and respected law firm.
- Attorneys and professional staff work together across multiple offices in a supportive, team-oriented environment where collaboration, mentorship, and outstanding client service are valued.
- We foster a collaborative workplace where experienced professionals are trusted with meaningful work, supported by knowledgeable colleagues, and encouraged to continue growing throughout their careers.
