Estate Settlement Associate / Paralegal

Job Title: Estate Settlement Associate / Paralegal               FLSA Status: Exempt                                          Department: Wealth Management & Trust Hours of Operation:  Monday - Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm                         General Job Summary:  Assist Trust Counsel, Trust Coordinator and Officers in all aspects of estate administration. Organizational Duties and Responsibilities: Supports the mission, vision and philosophy of the Bank. Complies with all organizational policies and procedures. Supports all functions that maintain compliance with regulatory agencies. Provide support to other Trust personnel as necessary.   Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  Gather, review and organize decedent’s financial/personal information Secure and preserve decedent’s real and personal property Communicate with attorney of record throughout the estate process Locate and collect decedent’s assets and personal property, including real estate, vehicles, jewelry, guns, coins, investment accounts, bank accounts, life insurance policies, annuities, etc.   Assist with transfer of special assets to include real estate, closely held businesses, savings bonds, mineral rights, etc. Draft probate pleadings, including Petition, Inventory, Settlements, etc. Cancel or transfer utilities, insurance and other services as needed Maintain frequent and effective communication with decedent’s family and beneficiaries Work with tax department and CPA regarding tax filings, including compiling required documents and information Perform file management of paper and computer files Assist with compliance checklists and estate reviews Other estate administration functions as needed   Working Conditions: Office environment   Minimum Job Requirements: Education: Post-secondary education or paralegal certification/degree preferred Experience:  2–3 years of experience in a paralegal, trust, or related legal support role preferred Paralegal certificate or degree, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience preferred Specific Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint Excellent grammar and business writing skills Ability to analyze and summarize wills, trusts, and related court documents Display willingness to learn new concepts Effective and proactive communication skills, both written and verbal, with all levels of personnel and clients Cultivate positive client relationships Execute tasks according to their priority Ability to foster teamwork and camaraderie Ability to maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive issues tactfully Detail-oriented Consistently self-motivated and dependable Professional appearance and demeanor   Physical requirements:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Primarily sedentary work performed in an office environment Ability to sit for extended periods of time while working at a computer Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment Ability to speak clearly and hear well enough to communicate with clients, team members, and vendors via phone, video, and in person Visual acuity sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents, and financial data Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching Ability to lift and carry up to 10–15 pounds occasionally (e.g., files, office supplies)