Estate + Trust Administration Paralegal – North Barrington, Illinois
Position Summary:
The Estate + Trust Administration Paralegal is responsible for supporting attorneys in all phases of estate and trust administration. This includes managing probate filings, asset inventories, trust funding, beneficiary communications, and maintaining compliance with legal and tax requirements. The role requires strong organizational skills, excellent client communication, and attention to financial and legal details.
Responsibilities:
- Communicate with clients to gather necessary information and provide regular case updates
- Assist attorneys in managing estate and trust files, maintaining deadlines, and tracking progress
- Draft and prepare legal documents such as estate administration forms
- Facilitate probate filings and coordinate with court staff as needed
- Prepare and file court documents related to estate administration
- Assist with trust administration, including funding, accountings, and asset distributions
- Compile and maintain comprehensive inventories of estate assets (real estate, financial accounts, personal property)
- Communicate with beneficiaries and facilitate asset distributions in accordance with estate or trust terms
- Assist with estate tax return preparation and compliance, including data collection and tax calculations
- Reconcile financial accounts, review statements, and verify valuations and distributions
- Conduct legal research as needed to support case preparation
- Maintain accurate and organized records of legal documents, correspondence, and transactions
- Collaborate with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff for efficient case execution
- Maintain and update internal forms, systems, and checklists for consistent file management
- Answer, screen, and initiate client and attorney phone calls and emails
- Provide excellent client service, particularly during sensitive periods of loss
- Maintain confidentiality and handle all matters with discretion and professionalism
- Perform all other duties and projects as assigned
Required Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Knowledge of estate and trust administration, probate procedures, and related legal terminology
- High level of organization, time management, and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal skills and a service-oriented mindset
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Experience with legal formatting, document drafting, and case file organization
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
- Typing speed of 60+ WPM preferred
Education/Training:
- Bachelor’s degree or paralegal certificate preferred
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant estate and/or trust administration experience required
Benefits:
- 401(k) with matching
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Paid time off
- Competitive salary based on experience