Job Description

Trust & Estate Planning Paralegal

Estate Planning | Tax | Trust & Estate Administration

Chicago, IL | $100,000–$140,000 DOE

We are seeking an experienced Trust & Estate Paralegal to step into a sophisticated estate planning and wealth planning practice. 

This is not a litigation position nor is it a legal assistant role.

We believe in work life balance as well: Only 1200 billable hour requirement.

The work is centered on estate and trust administration, tax preparation, and supporting attorneys who advise individuals and families on sophisticated estate and wealth planning matters.

A Significant Part of This Role Is Tax-Related

Candidates should have hands-on experience preparing and/or substantially assisting with:

• Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax Returns
• Form 1041 – Fiduciary Income Tax Returns
• Form 709 – Gift Tax Returns
• Form 706 – Estate Tax Returns

Beyond tax preparation, this person will work extensively with estate and trust administration, including gathering and valuing assets, maintaining records and accountings, assisting with distributions, coordinating with fiduciaries and beneficiaries, and handling the documentation and filings necessary to move administrations forward.

The position also supports attorneys with sophisticated estate planning matters involving trusts, gifting strategies, wealth transfer, tax planning, and related planning for individuals and families.

We Need Experience

The right candidate should have:

• Several years of substantive Trust & Estate experience
• Strong estate and trust administration experience
• Meaningful experience with 1040, 1041, 709 and 706 tax returns
• Familiarity with sophisticated estate and wealth planning
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• The ability to work directly with attorneys, clients, fiduciaries, accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals
• The experience and judgment to independently move matters forward

We are looking for someone who understands the tax, administration, and planning side of Trusts & Estates and is comfortable working with sophisticated matters from day one.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.