CunninghamLegal · 2 days ago
Trust Administration Paralegal
San Rafael, California, United States
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid Level
$35/hr - $52/hrCunninghamLegal is a law firm specializing in trust administration, and they are seeking a Trust Administration Paralegal to support attorneys and clients in managing trusts and estates. The role involves preparing legal documents, communicating with clients and professionals, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Asset ManagementConsultingLegal
Responsibilities
Analyze trust provisions following initial Trust Administration consultation and initiate preparation of 'Trust Administration Attorney Summary' for completion by Lead Attorney’s review
Prepare and send Welcome Email to Trustee to develop relationship
Preparation of Letter of Instruction to Trustee RE: Trust Administration Process
Preparation of TA Merge file, which includes preparation of the following documents:
Authorization to Release Information
Certification of Trust
Notification by Trustee pursuant to PC 16061.7/15800 and cover letters to persons entitled to notice
Notice to the Director of Healthcare Services
Notice to Franchise Tax Board
Notice to Credit Bureaus
Instruction Letter to Superior Court (Lodging of decedent’s original Last Will)
Real Property Transfer Work (Per Property):
Affidavit – Death of Trustee
Grant Deed
Applicable Assessor forms: COS, PCOR, applicable Proposition forms; Homeowner’s Exemption
Prepare calculations related to Proposition 19 for analysis by Lead Attorney
Work closely with bridge loan officers to ensure that proper documentation is prepared and timely filed, as needed
Small Estates Affidavit pursuant to PC 13100
Communicate with Trustees telephonically, electronically and in-person
Meet with Trustees for necessary signing appointments
Communicate with outside professionals and agencies (i.e., Attorneys, Appraisers, Tax Preparers, Assessors, Recorders, financial and real estate Brokers and Escrow officers etc.)
Run Estate Valuation Pricing (EVP) to document adjusted cost basis of securities, as necessary
Obtain title reports and vesting deeds, when needed
Preparation of date of death value Inventory and Appraisements and Allocation of Assets pursuant to the terms of the Trust
Prepare documents required to establish sub-trusts (i.e., Certifications of Trust, SS-4 Forms to obtain Taxpayer ID Numbers, and Acceptance/Appointment of Trustee)
Preparation of trust distribution summaries, waivers, and receipts etc
Preparation of Federal Estate Tax returns (Form 706), 709 returns, and Accountings
Probate support, as needed
Assemble Trust Administration Legacy Binder with all documentation related to the TA and preparation of Closing Letter for Lead Attorney’s approval
Assist Attorney with Trust Petitions, which includes:
Initial drafting, editing, and formatting
Drafting of required Court documents (i.e., Case coversheets and Notice of Hearing)
Communicating with Trustee, beneficiaries, heirs, and entities
Drafting of waivers and consents
Electronic and hardcopy filing of petitions
Reviewing Probate Notes and communicating with Probate Attorney
Drafting and filing of Supplements
Drafting formal Court Orders and Notice of Entry of Order
Obtaining certified Court Orders
Recording Orders with respective Counties, as needed
Continuing Legal Education, as required
Retain membership as a CA Notary Public (Attend required seminars and take required tests)
Assess Trustee assets and Beneficiary’s inherited assets for potential referral to Ascent Wealth Management
File organization and maintenance
Scan various documents to client server file and make copies for files
Enter billable and nonbillable time in Abacus
Review monthly Prebills to ensure entries are clear and concise
Update on Lawcus all client information, file notes and important deadlines
Weekly staff meetings
Coordinating with support staff, as needed
Back-up phones for as needed
All other projects as assigned
Qualification
Required
Mid-level experience
High School Graduate
Paralegal Certificate
Interpersonal skills including telephone and meeting etiquette
Oral and written communication skills
Comprehension of legal terminology
Ability to issue spot complex issues
Legal document drafting skills
Strong attention to detail and organization
Efficient in time management and administering and executing tasks
Strong proofreading and grammatical skills
Computer literacy, including, but not limited to Word and Excel
Ability to maintain and handle sensitive and private client information
Requires time spent sitting (up to 70% of the workday)
Some standing required and the ability to lift, carry and/or pull at least 15 pounds
Adverse movements required such as reaching overhead, bending, or crouching
Simultaneous/repetitive use of both hands is required for writing and typing
Excellent sensory skills are important (sight, hearing and speech)
Possess a valid CA Driver's License with valid car insurance and be able to drive to other work locations or to notarize for Clients, if needed
Company
CunninghamLegal
As experts in the areas of estate planning, trust administration, income tax planning, legacy protection, and much more, CunninghamLegal is dedicated to making sure your estate plan will work the way it was intended over time, protecting your legacy, and minimizing taxes along the way.
Founded in 2005
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Tasha Jahn
Partner, Attorney at Law
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