Trust and Estate Planning Paralegal

Vedder Price's Chicago office is looking for a Trust and Estate Planning Paralegal. The Paralegal supports the Trust, Estate Planning and Tax practices, assisting with a variety of responsibilities.

As a Paralegal, your duties will include but not be limited to:

• Prepares tax returns of all types, including individual income, estate and trust income, gift, estate and GST tax returns
• Understands probate process and prepares probate documents (Illinois preferred)
• Prepares estate and trust accountings; analyzes and organizes records and documents
• Conducts factual research involving assets, liabilities, titling of assets, claims, valuation, contacts and virtually all other matters relating to estates and trusts
• Performs tax and legal research using library and online resources
• Reviews and drafts estate planning and other legal documents
• Assists with business transactions
• Prepares corporate, partnership and LLC agreements, resolutions and other documents; liaises with Corporate Maintenance to maintain records and minute books
• Handles governmental, agency and court filings
• Meets and directly communicates with clients
• Maintains docket of all estate, trust and court dates
• Directly deals with numerous clients
• Acts as a backup for the entire practice group
• Maintains 1,500 billable hours annually

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong research and writing skills
• Willingness and flexibility to work overtime
• Ability to work under pressure on time-sensitive projects
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to work independently
• High level of attention to detail

Qualifications & Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• ABA-approved paralegal certificate preferred
• At least 3 years of paralegal or related expertise in tax, estate planning and estate administration preferred
• Accounting experience preferred
• Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in the following software:

• Tax preparation programs (particularly CCH)
• Accounting programs
• Estate planning programs
• Excel and Visio preferred
• Microsoft Office Suite

Compensation Range: 65,000/yr. to $110,000/yr.

At Vedder Price, we believe in recognizing and rewarding our employees' contributions. Our comprehensive Total Rewards Package includes:

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive base salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• Bonus Program: Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Retirement Planning: Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching to help you plan for your future.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm-paid Life and Disability benefits, and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs.
• Employee Recognition: Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work model and family-friendly policies.
• Additional Perks: Employee discount program, pre-tax commuter benefits, back up child & elder care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts and more.

Join Vedder Price and be part of a team that values hard work and dedication!

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Vedder Price P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We participate in E-verify.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Vedder Price Recruiting Team at vprecruiting@vedderprice.com.