Private Client & Tax Paralegal

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:  This position will assist attorneys in the Private Client & Tax Group with all aspects of estate planning, post-death trust and probate administration, and ongoing trust administration. The role requires frequent contact with others inside and outside the firm including immediate partners, associates, senior paralegals, as well as clients, accountants, appraisers, and other professionals.  Primary functions are described below:  

PRIMARY TRUST AND ESTATE FUNCTIONS: 

• Responsible for all aspects of estate and trust administration in highly sophisticated environment
• Inventory and valuation of assets, retitling and distribution of assets
• Preparation of Federal estate and gift tax returns
• Analysis of estate, gift, income and property tax issues
• Responsible for trust funding and continuing administration of trusts
• Preparation of documentation to transfer title to assets and provide for distributions to trust beneficiaries, including deeds, assignments, receipts and releases
• Preparation of probate and court documents
• Preparation and review of court filed fiduciary accountings

RELATED REAL ESTATE FUNCTIONS: 

• Analysis of title documents to ascertain current vesting and understand title concerns; coordination with title companies to resolve title issues and obtain title insurance and title insurance endorsements
• Analysis of recording requirements and procedures in various counties
• Preparation of deeds, affidavits, deeds of trust and other real estate documents for recording
• Analysis of Proposition 13 reassessment issues and knowledge of structuring to avoid reassessment exclusion; preparation of related documents including change in ownership reports and reassessment exclusion claims
• Interface with County Assessor to address property tax issues

RELATED CORPORATE & NONPROFIT FUNCTIONS: 

• Prepare all documents required to form corporations (both business and nonprofit corporations), partnerships and limited liability companies in any state
• Coordinate filings with Secretaries of State in any state
• Understand and analyze various maintenance and operational issues facing entities; assist with compliance and coordination
• Prepare applications for tax-exempt status and various registrations required for tax-exempt organization
• Prepare minutes, resolutions and other necessary paperwork
• Create and maintain corporate record books
• Complete stock certificates and ledgers of shareholders and owners
• Prepare documents to assign interests in various entities
• Complete paperwork and processes to dissolve various entities

SPECIFIC SKILLS DESIRED

• 2+ years as an estate and trust paralegal
• Strong working knowledge of Excel, Microsoft Word, and Outlook; Experience with Visio and document management systems (iManage or FileSite) preferred
• Solid command of the English language including excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, form and style
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail: the ability to track deadlines, maintain file integrity, and manage multiple projects to keep them moving forward and on target for completion in advance of deadlines
• Strong communication skills: the ability to express self effectively, both orally and in writing
• Strong Interpersonal skills: the ability to establish effective working relationships with colleagues
• Ability to work independently
• Familiarity with legal terminology pertinent to the area of assignment

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Compliance with California Business and Professions Code §6450

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