Trust and Estates Paralegal - Private Client Services

Lathrop GPM has an immediate need for a trust and estates paralegal with significant real estate experience in our Minneapolis, MN office to support attorneys in the Private Client Services practice group and to the firm to assist in management of client relationships and the practice of law. We are open to hiring this role on either a full-time or part-time basis and welcome applications from candidates interested in either arrangement.

We are a full-service, Am Law 200 law firm with offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Overland Park, Redwood City, Sacramento, San Jose, St. Cloud, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, and a professional, challenging, yet comfortable hybrid working environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Real Estate:

· As part of the overall estate planning and administration work, prepare, review, and manage a wide range of real estate documents, including purchase agreements, deeds, leases, mortgages, promissory notes, closing documents, and related transactional materials.

· This may include conducting title and survey reviews, analyze title commitments and recorded documents, and coordinating resolution of title issues with title companies and other parties.

· Coordinate all aspects of real estate transactions and closings inside trusts and estates, including preparation of closing checklists, escrow instructions, closing statements, post-closing documents, recordings, and related materials.

· Review legal descriptions, plats, parcel maps, and surveys for accuracy and compliance.

· Serve as liaison among clients, lenders, title companies, surveyors, governmental agencies, and other transaction participants to facilitate successful transactions.

Tax:

· Prepare and file federal and state estate tax returns.

· Prepare and file federal gift tax returns.

· Obtain federal tax identification numbers for estates and trusts and notify taxing authorities of fiduciary capacity.

· Review and analyze existing tax returns in support of estate, trust, and tax planning matters.

Probate:

· Assist with all aspects of probate administration from commencement through closing.

· Prepare and electronically file probate court documents.

· Coordinate required mailed and published notices.

· Prepare inventories, accountings, and documents related to creditor claims.

· Maintain estate financial records and track estate administration activities.

· Assist clients with personal representative duties and probate procedures.

Trust Administration:

· Assist with all aspects of administering revocable and irrevocable trusts, including trust administration following the death of a trustor.

· Prepare administrative documentation and support trustees in carrying out fiduciary responsibilities.

· Coordinate trust administration activities and work closely with attorneys to ensure timely and effective administration of trust matters.

· Support trust-related court proceedings and related filings as needed.

Assets and Financial Reporting:

· Collect, organize, and verify asset information for estates and trusts for use in court filings, accountings, and tax returns.

· Review financial statements and work with attorneys, clients, financial institutions, and outside advisors to obtain and maintain necessary financial information.

· Prepare annual accountings for estates and trusts for court filing or beneficiary reporting, as applicable.

· Coordinate the transfer, titling, and distribution of assets for estates and trusts, including funding revocable trusts.

· Assist clients with life insurance, investment, and other asset-related claim forms and documentation.

Communication and Client Service:

· Communicate with clients, beneficiaries, trustees, attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, brokers, court personnel, and other third parties regarding estate, trust, tax, and real estate matters.

· Participate in attorney-client meetings and assist with information gathering, document execution, and matter progression.

· Provide exceptional client service while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.

Additional Responsibilities:

· Review and analyze wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents.

· Assist with preparation and electronic filing of pleadings and related documents for trust proceedings, guardianships, and conservatorships.

· Maintain dockets and calendars to monitor court dates, filing deadlines, and other important events.

· Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.