Paralegal - Estates & Trusts (Part-Time)

This position is in our Clarence, NY office and is approximately 20-25 hours per week. The ideal candidate will be responsible for both estate and trust administration and planning activities on behalf of clients, including but not limited to:

• Assisting with preparation and revisions of wills, health care proxies, and Power of Attorney documents
• Assisting with preparation of trust agreements, inventories, accounts, petitions and pleadings
• Drafting correspondence, bills and various probate documents
• Gathering, identifying and valuation of assets
• Preparing accountings for both the estate and trusts
• Preparing federal and state individual and fiduciary income tax returns
• Preparing federal and state gift tax returns, and returns of private foundations, partnerships and miscellaneous other returns
• Preparing estate tax returns, including the federal estate tax return and the New York estate tax returns
• Preparing and implementing income tax plan for the estate during administration
• Coordinating periodic income and principal distributions from trusts and the transfer of assets into trusts
• Maintaining financial records and performing routine accounting of estates and trusts, including balancing all accounts and payment of bills
• Advising of the need to make income distributions to trust beneficiaries
• Preparing schedule of allocations to trusts under will
• Under the direction of the attorney(s), distributing trust assets at termination of the trust
• Establish and maintain calendar and deadline reminder systems; utilize master calendar system.
• Receive clients and visitors; maintain good public relations with clients; observe confidentiality of attorney-client relationship.
• Process bills; proof billing sheets; review and edit bills and submit requests for checks on behalf of attorneys and client matters.
• Utilize computerized software programs (Excel, Word, Zane Accounting Software, and Hot Docs) to perform duties and responsibilities.
• Operate office equipment including personal computer, copiers, fax machines and 10-key calculator.
• Read, use and be familiar with computer systems manuals and procedures; maintains and updates procedural manuals as needed.
• Ensure strict confidentiality at all times.
• Assist with special projects as needed.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies or equivalent required, Paralegal Certificate highly desirable.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of Paralegal experience in sophisticated estate administration and trust administration matters in a law firm required.
• Proficient with fiduciary accounting including expertise with estate and gift tax returns
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office Word and knowledge of PC operating systems
• Experience in using Hot Docs for Surrogate Court forms and Zane Accounting software
• Experience creating Excel Spreadsheets and PowerPoint Presentations highly desirable

Interested candidates should forward resumes and cover letters, indicating salary requirements, to Eileen Connor-Costilow, Director of Human Resources, at ecostilow@damonmorey.com.  Excellent compensation & benefits available, salary commensurate with experience.