Job Description

Please note that Jackson Walker is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.

Trusts & Estates Paralegal

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Paralegal

Reports To: Paralegal Committee

Jackson Walker, the largest law firm in Texas, has an exciting full-time employment opportunity for a Trusts & Estates Paralegal in our Houston office.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare correspondence, estate planning documents, and corporate/partnership/LLC documents.
• Maintain tracking system for clients and entities, including saving documents to document management system.
• Assist with execution of estate planning documents.
• Prepare initial drafts of various state and federal tax reports and returns, including Texas Franchise Tax No Tax Due Reports, Texas Franchise Tax Public Information Reports, U.S. Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Returns – Form 709s, U.S. Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Returns – Form 706s.
• Draft probate pleadings, prepare materials for and correspondence with clients and witnesses relating to court hearings, and handle most aspects of administration of the estate, including probate tracker for internal use for tracking deadlines on probate matters.
• Interact with courts and various government agencies to set hearings and obtain information for estate and trust administration matters.
• Perform legal research tasks using all available resources including libraries and computer research systems.
• Organize and maintain trust, estate, corporate, partnership and LLC record books, forms, and indices.
• Assist with review of real estate contracts, title commitments, surveys, closing documents, and other related documents as requested.
• Travel to private and public buildings to assist attorney in attending to client legal matters.
• Work occasional overtime to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Track and record time spent performing all Firm-related tasks.
• Take initiative in acquiring and managing projects from attorneys.
• Maintain positive contact with clients.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and follow instructions effectively from a diverse group of clients, attorneys and staff to provide information with courtesy and tact.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate in person, by e-mail and telephone to provide information with courtesy and tact
• Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
• Ability to read and write in order to proof and perform editing (e.g., punctuation, grammar, spelling) of routine law office correspondence and legal case matters. Perform non-complex arithmetic calculations when verifying calculations on forms and documents; maintain records and filing systems at a level normally acquired through completion of a four-year undergraduate degree.
• Substantive knowledge and proficient use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Paralegal certification required.
• Substantial equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree or paralegal certification.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience within a law firm with demonstrated knowledge of complex issues within estate planning practice area.

Working Conditions:

• Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise and temperature.
• Work may occasionally require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position; may require irregular hours.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that employment decisions be based on job-related factors.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact us at BusinessProfessionalRecruiting@jw.com