Trust & Estates Paralegal

What Stands Out About This Opportunity

Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP is seeking a Trusts & Estates Paralegal to join our team. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced paralegal who enjoys managing cases independently, working directly with clients, and taking an active role in guiding matters from start to finish.

In this role, you'll work closely with attorneys on a wide range of estate planning and administration matters, including trusts, guardianships, and Medicaid planning. You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of your caseload, develop meaningful client relationships, and help individuals and families navigate important and often sensitive legal matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and interpret estate planning documents, including Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Health Care Proxies.
• Prepare court filings and supporting documentation for estate and trust administration, voluntary administrations, and guardianship proceedings.
• Draft correspondence, accountings, asset transfer documents, and other legal materials necessary for estate and trust administration.
• Independently manage an active caseload, monitor deadlines, communicate case developments, and move matters toward completion under attorney supervision.
• Conduct client intake, gather financial records and supporting documentation, coordinate conflict searches, and assist with opening and closing files.
• Communicate with clients, attorneys, courts, financial institutions, insurance companies, accountants, and government agencies to facilitate the administration of estates and trusts.
• Prepare and coordinate Medicaid applications for nursing home and community coverage, including financial record collection, eligibility calculations, asset transfer analysis, and communication with the Department of Social Services.
• Prepare and file guardianship documents, including appointment and termination proceedings and required annual reports.
• Conduct legal research, identify potential issues, and recommend practical solutions while working within applicable legal and ethical guidelines.