Trusts and Estates Paralegal

Cozen O’Connor is seeking a full-time Trust and Estate Administration Paralegal to support the Private Client, Trusts and Estates (“PCTE”) group in the Minneapolis office.  

The PCTE group has unsurpassed experience in representing executors, trustees, and beneficiaries in the full range of trust and estate administration matters, from the settlement of estates to tax return preparation and audits, to ongoing trust accounting and implementation. PCTE is looking for a dedicated paralegal to support its attorneys in taking a practical and personalized approach to serving clients.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years’ experience, knowledge of the administration of trusts and estates, the ability to manage confidential information with discretion, strong interpersonal skills to build a rapport with clients, and a desire to grow in the position. 

• Lead contact for personal representatives for estates and trusts, beneficiaries, financial advisors, and accountants. Work with financial advisors and others to maintain accurate financial records.
• In addition to managing daily estate aspects under moderate supervision the paralegal should coordinate probate of Wills and appointment of personal representatives and assist in preparation for hearings, including use of a HotDocs probate drafting system.
• Assist clients to identify, collect, and document assets, use EstateVal software and interface with qualified appraisers and outside financial parties, and arrange for payment of debts and expenses.
• Prepare and file Federal and State estate and inheritance tax returns; assist attorneys in preparation of income and fiduciary returns; facilitate tax payments and distributions to beneficiaries; terminate estates; prepare and file fiduciary accountings.
• Prepare Federal gift tax returns and manage Crummey letter notification processes.
• Use title databases and public information, interface with title companies to provide attorneys information from land records.
• Coordinate the delivery of certain family office services with our HomeBase team, Cozen O’Connor’s integrated family office, for a completely customized client experience.

• The ideal candidate will have 3+ years’ experience, knowledge of the administration of trusts and estates, the ability to manage confidential information with discretion, strong interpersonal skills to build a rapport with clients, and a desire to grow in the position. 
• Experience with basic computer programs (including Excel), iManage and InTapp and a familiarity with basic accounting functions is required.  A four-year college degree and/or paralegal certificate required. 
• Skills preferred but not required: 
  • Ability to walk clients through basic software functions such as e-signature processes
  • Familiarity with OneSource and Trustdesk tax return preparation systems
  • Familiarity with Minnesota probate procedure and court rules

The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $115,000 and represents the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent upon a number of factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications and location.