Paralegal - Estate Planning

For over a century, Chambliss has been more than just a law firmwe're a trusted partner to businesses, families and individuals across the Southeast and beyond. As a growing, mid-sized firm, we offer the sophisticated resources and diverse client base of a large firm with the collaborative culture and direct client access of a boutique practice. We are actively seeking a Paralegal to join our Estate Planning and Administration practice. A successful candidate will possess strong attention to detail, organizational skills and be comfortable handling a high volume of confidential client information for time-sensitive matters.

Location: This role is based in our Chattanooga, TN office. Candidates must be willing to commute or relocate to be considered.

FLSA status: Non-exempt

Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Estate Planning and Administration Section Head, this position provides assistance for daily tasks related to client service. This role assists attorneys and clients in estate planning, including drafting estate plan documents, preparation of beneficiary and account change forms and transfer documents relating to accounts in order to implement an estate plan and the administration of all of the firm's trust administration clients. This role operates under moderate supervision with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft estate plan documents, including various revocable trusts and tax planning trusts, wills and incapacity documents.
• Prepare beneficiary and account change forms.
• Create estate planning diagrams and excel workbooks. Organize financial information received from clients.
• Proofread and correct prepared material for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, format, syntax, and content.
• Revise Summary Memoranda regarding estate planning. Prepare correspondence to clients, banks and investment companies. Follows up with clients to request financial information; consolidate completed information in Excel workbook; prepare bank reconciliations as necessary for some clients; set signing date and schedule signing date on attorney calendar if necessary.
• Request and work with attorneys preparing out of state deeds and other documents; research property records and obtain copies of deeds; research various Secretary of State Offices regarding LLC and corporate information.
• Prepare membership and stock transfer and assignments; prepare stock certificates; prepare various IRS forms, including Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.
• Contact clients and financial institutions regarding client financial matters.
• Meet with clients to execute owner and beneficiary change forms and other documents relating to estate planning.
• Follow up with clients and financial advisors to confirm account and beneficiary changes are made.
• Respond to client requests for copies, certifications and other documents relating to estate planning.
• For new clients and new engagements, generate a draft engagement letter from firm-based template. Open new client matters once engagement letter is executed.
• Establish, develop, maintain and update client files. Retrieve information from files when necessary.
• Coordinates with other paralegals on business matters related to estate planning.
• Work with attorneys to review and update estate planning forms and templates using Word and Hotdocs.
• Arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients.
• Work independently and within the team on special and on-going projects.
• Track and report hours billed.

Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, Legal Assistant, or related field; Baccalaureate degree preferred.
• APA Paralegal certification preferred; continued specialization and advanced certification in related areas encouraged.

Experience:

• Three to five years of related experience in a law office or financial advisor office.
• Knowledge of insurance and trusts would be helpful.
• Experience with legal document management system (NetDocuments) and Legal Management Solutions (LMS) workflow and billing system preferred.

Skills/Certifications:

• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, DocuSign, HotDocs, Westlaw, web-based research tools, and strong knowledge of legal terminology and procedures.
• Notary Certification preferred.

Job Specific Skills:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations without excessive oversight from attorneys.
• Strong practical problem-solving skills and ability to quickly apply knowledge and make effective decisions. Advanced judgement as to the method for producing a quality work product.
• Proven ability to work independently in the performance of regular assignments, handle multiple tasks and priorities, meet deadlines, manage large volume workload and to refer unusual or important matters for direction.
• Ability to communicate effectively on varying levels of sophistication. Communication proficiency and collaboration skills.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of attorneys, clients, or the general public.
• High level of professional integrity with ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust.
• An appreciation of the ethical issues involved in dealing with individuals and organizations and service providers.
• Strong writing and grammar skills.
• Demonstrate ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize appropriately in order to meet deadlines.
• Accuracy and very close attention to detail.
• Ability to manage deadlines and turn around work product timely.
• Ability to produce acceptable amount of billable work efficiently and accurately; ability to produce quality final work product.
• Ability to stay current on changes in filing procedures and requirements and regulatory compliance matters.

Physical Demands

This work is primarily sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• The employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, and crouch; using hands and fingers for detailed work.
• The employee is occasionally required to lift office products and supplies up to 15 pounds, frequently carrying light items such as paper, books or small equipment.
• The employee is occasionally required to work overtime as requested.

Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits Package:

Financial:

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching

Health & Wellness:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health and wellness programs

Chambliss is committed to being one of the best law firms to work for in our region. We are actively searching for highly qualified people to work as attorneys, legal assistants, and support staff personnel. Chambliss strives to attract a diverse workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

**WE ARE NOT UTILIZING OUTSIDE AGENCIES FOR THIS ROLE. DO NOT SOLICIT.*