Probate/Estate Planning Paralegal

Burr & Forman LLP has an immediate opening in our Bluffton, SC office for a full-time, experienced probate/estate planning paralegal. This role involves performing complex paralegal tasks that require knowledge of legal terminology and processes. The ideal candidate should possess strong organizational and communication skills, and an ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are essential. This position offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to the legal team while managing a variety of responsibilities.

KEY CONTRIBUTIONS

• Review and respond to initial contact or correspondence from clients and attorneys with information regarding the scope of work, fees, and expenses related to estate administration
• Review and analyze estate documents including, wills, deeds, death certificates, trust agreements, affidavits, and estate tax returns
• Assist with the coordination and identification of personal and real property estate assets, heirs and devisees
• Assist in search of documentation or coordination of appraisals to determine date of death valuations of estate assets and real property
• Prepare petitions, documents, and correspondence required to open ancillary administrations and in-state administrations, obtain appointment of personal representative(s), and follow through to closing of estate by Probate Court and Taxing Authorities
• Prepare correspondence and applicable documents, including court documents, to beneficiaries to report on status of administration
• Prepare property transfer documents, including deeds, deeds of distribution, and attorney affidavits for filing with the Register of Deeds
• Review date of death valuations and preparation and coordination of Non-Resident Tax Notices to probate Judge, estate tax returns, and related correspondence to Taxing Authorities
• Prepare requests for disbursement of expenses related to estate administration
• Reconcile monthly estate valuations
• Coordinate appointments, assemble and distribute documents to clients, and log and store documents
• Other responsibilities as needed

THE ESSENTIALS

Bachelor’s degree, paralegal certification or degree, and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Two or more years of probate/estate planning experience

Knowledge of legal process, principles and practices required in probating estate assets and responsibilities of personal representatives with regard to estate tax procedures for decedents

Highly organized, detail-orientated, proactive with a desire to take ownership as a contributing member of the team

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Comfortable interacting with clients via correspondence, email, telephone, and in person

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Balance competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment, exercising patience and professionalism during stressful situations

This position is a unique opportunity to join a firm that prioritizes our clients, colleagues, and communities. If you’re a service-minded professional with intellectual curiosity and excellent work ethic, please consider joining our team.

Burr & Forman LLP provides a wide range of benefits designed to support our employees and families including comprehensive health insurance, dental and vision insurance, group term life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan and retirement planning services, paid time off, and free wellness and mental health services among other benefits.

The salary range for this position reflects a reasonable estimate of the range of compensation. Actual compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, education, work experience, geographic location, skills and competencies, industry knowledge, job responsibilities, market considerations and other business considerations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Burr & Forman is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, and promoting lawyers and staff without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, military and protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity, E-Verify, and other related posters at www.burr.com/careers/working-at-burr.