Estate and Trust Paralegal - Esquire Recruiting, LLC

Trust and Estate Paralegal | Mid-Size Law Firm | Chicago, IL Our prestigious mid-size law firm in the Loop has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Trust and Estate Paralegal in their Chicago office! Clients of this team are emerging technology companies and wealthy individuals, venture firms, public companies and institutions investing in these types of companies. This position will support a 5-person Wealth Management Group. Must have experience with gift taxes. Client firm is offering a highly competitive compensation and benefit package.

Send resume to Cheryl Richards: cheryl@esquire-recruiting.com

RESPONSIBILIITIES

• Preparation of federal (Form 706) and state (primarily IL-700) estate tax returns, basis reporting forms (Form 8971) and gift tax returns (Form 709), including working with clients and third parties to determine and obtain information needed for the returns.
• Preparation of probate documents, including documents to open estates, inventories, accountings, and documents to close estates.
• Prepare issue lists/client data sheets to track estate and trust administration matters for each estate and trust.
• Assist attorneys who ae executor’s and trustees with their responsibilities as fiduciaries (tracking and paying expenses, accountings and other reporting, preparation of Crummey withdrawal notices, etc.)
• Assist in asset transfers and funding of trusts and other distributions.
• Research and investigate any requests, problems, or issues, and resolve with appropriate parties.
• Work with accountants in the preparation of final individual income tax returns and estate and trust income tax returns.
• Significant client contact.
• Significant Contact with banks, insurance companies, transfer agents, etc.
• Perform file organization and maintenance including archival files.

REQUIREMENTS

• Prior law firm experience as a probate/trust administration 2+ years.
• Experience in state and gift tax returns a must
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Paralegal Certificate.
• Proficient with Illinois courts e-filing (ID File/Odyssey).
• Proficient in Word, Excel, GEMS, EVAL and Quicken.
• Familiar with IRS procedures, including obtaining employer identification numbers.
• All other duties as assigned.