Estate Administration Senior Associate Attorney

Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP is a full-service, rapidly growing and entrepreneurial law firm focused on an interdisciplinary approach to the practice of law.  Our team is composed of thought leaders across a variety of practice areas, including some of the nation’s leading voices on web3, taxation, and a variety of other fields.  We bring together experts across all of our practice areas to achieve extraordinary results which would not be achievable at a more narrowly focused firm.  
 
Respect, appreciation, and quality of life come first and foremost.  We care deeply about the people we bring into our firm and offer a unique emphasis on professional development.  We work collaboratively to drive client success. 
 
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Estate Administration Associate to join our Trusts & Estates team. The ideal candidate brings substantial hands-on experience managing complex estate and trust administration matters, a deep understanding of New York Surrogate’s Court procedures, and the ability to work directly with high-net-worth clients, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries. 

This role is best suited for someone who thrives in a collaborative legal environment, demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, and can independently manage a sophisticated caseload from start to finish. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Handle all aspects of probate and estate administration, including preparing and filing petitions, inventories, fiduciary accountings, notices, waivers, and related Surrogate’s Court documents. 

• Coordinate and communicate with executors, trustees, beneficiaries, accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals. 

• Oversee collection, valuation, and transfer of estate assets, including real estate, business interests, and investment portfolios. 

• Prepare estate tax returns (federal Form 706 and NYS ET-706), fiduciary income tax returns, and required supporting documentation in coordination with tax advisors. 

• Manage estate settlement tasks such as resolving creditor claims, distributing assets, and drafting release agreements. 

• Support attorneys with complex trust administration, including trust funding, trust modification, decanting, and annual fiduciary accountings. 

• Maintain organized case files, timelines, and compliance checklists to ensure timely and accurate administration. 

• Provide exceptional service to clients by responding to inquiries, explaining processes, and ensuring transparent communication. 

Required: 

• 5+ years of experience in estate administration within a law firm or trust company environment. 

• Comprehensive knowledge of New York Surrogate’s Court rules, probate procedures, and relevant state and federal tax requirements. 

• Proficiency with NetDocs, Clio, and Microsoft Office Suite. 

• Strong drafting and organizational skills, with meticulous attention to detail. 

• Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and work efficiently under deadlines. 

• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—with a client-focused approach. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth estates. 

• Familiarity with complex trust structures and multistate or international estate issues. 

• Paralegal certification or related professional credential (optional but valuable). 

Compensation & Benefits 

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience. 

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage. 

• Retirement plan options. 

• Paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. 

• Supportive, team-oriented work environment with opportunities for long-term career growth. 

Salary Range: $140- $180K