Trusts and Estates Paralegal

Build your big career with the Firm that does Big Law better. McDermott Will & Emery is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,400 lawyers and 1,200 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by The American Lawyer, Working Mother Magazine, Vault and the Human Rights Campaign.  

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.

With us, you’ll find:

• A Firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!

• Enthusiasm for diverse perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.

• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental and financial health, with an emphasis on work/life balance.  

• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence. 

Job Description:

Paralegals in the Private Client Practice Group work closely with the Private Client attorneys, assisting in the preparation of California court filings and accountings, estate planning documents, real property documents, certain tax returns and other documents related to estate and trust administration.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP is a leading international law firm with a diversified business practice representing commercial, industrial and financial enterprises both publicly and privately held. The Firm has a long history of social responsibility and supporting the communities in which our people live and work.

Paralegals in the Private Client Practice Group work closely with the Private Client attorneys, assisting in the preparation of court papers, tax returns and other documents related to estate and trust administration.

As a Paralegal (Private Client) you will:

• Research, draft and file probate court pleadings with focus on California probate courts
• Supervise and coordinate the collection and transfer of assets, payment of debts and administration expenses and the distribution of assets to beneficiaries for probate estates and funded trusts
• File wills in appropriate counties
• Prepare deeds and assessor forms
• Prepare basic forms and filings for business entity formations and annual statements
• Ensure proper docketing and timely filing of all court filing deadlines, tax returns, and related deadlines
• Prepare and send correspondence, including composing transmittal letters, etc.
• Communicate with governmental agencies, accountants/advisors banks, other financial institutions and other relevant third-parties to administration of trust
• Prepare and coordinate requests for duplicating, messenger delivery, word processing, special mail handling, accounting and working with other Private Client team members and Firm departments
• Meet with clients and attorneys concerning the estate and/or trust
• Draft elemental estate planning documents, including basic wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, certifications of trust, and related miscellaneous trust instruments
• Compile information, computations and draft federal and state estate or inheritance tax returns, and draft federal gift tax returns

Job Specifications:

• College degree and paralegal certificate or equivalent
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a paralegal with a law firm or financial institution, specializing in the areas of estate planning and postmortem estate administration
• Experience in preparation of probate court documents including opening and closing court papers, inventories and accounts, and distributions, particularly with California courts (including trust and estate accountings)
• Proficient in administration of California postmortem trusts and estates administration, including the collection and transfer of assets, the payment of debts and administration expenses and the distribution of assets to beneficiaries
• Experience in preparation of federal estate and gift tax returns
• Experience with basic estate planning documents drafting (California-focused)
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and California probate court e-filing software systems
• CCH ProSystems fx, iManage/FileSite and EstateVal experience preferred
• Notary or willingness to become notary preferred

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

     Target Hiring Range $66,000 - $160,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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As part of our ongoing commitment to be #AlwaysBetter for our people, clients and communities, we have created a culture of belonging that champions your individuality as both a person and a professional. From our competitive compensation, top benefits and award-winning professional development programs to industry-leading wellness initiatives, we support you through every stage of your life and career. With McDermott, you can live a life you love both in and outside of the office.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear

• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.