Paralegal - Private Client

Thompson Coburn, a large full-service law firm with offices in eight (8) cities across the U.S., is in search of a full-time non-exempt Private Client Paralegal to join its Chicago office. With over 450 attorneys and experience in 50 areas of law, Thompson Coburn is regularly recognized for providing clients with outstanding value and service. Driven by our core values of integrity, innovation and diversity, we collaborate and work in a welcoming, fast-paced, and inclusive environment.

Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your deep knowledge of trust and estate law while supporting a respected Private Client practice? If so, we want to hear from you! Under the supervision of the Senior Manager of Practice Support Operations, this position works directly with licensed attorneys and clients on matters involving estate planning, estate and trust administration, and tax compliance.

If you possess strong technical skills, excellent attention to detail, and a client-focused mindset, we encourage you to apply. After an initial period of training, this position is eligible for a hybrid-remote work schedule. Key Responsibilities

• Prepares tax returns including fiduciary income tax return, individual income tax returns, estate tax returns, and gift tax returns.
• Analyzes past tax returns and other financial records and participates in the development of financial analyses and tax plans by considering gift, estate, generation-skipping transfer and state and federal income taxes.
• Reviews and manages tax documentation for use in connection with tax planning and compliance.
• Drafts petitions, annual/final accountings and statements of account or final settlement, final receipts, and related documentation all in connection with probate estates (supervised or unsupervised) and informal/small estate proceedings.
• Coordinates preparation or acquisition of various estate documentation, coordinates appropriate publications and notifications regarding the estate.
• Contacts and coordinates with probate court on administration of probate estates.
• Assists clients with initial funding of trusts.
• Contacts and coordinates with insurance companies to assist with transferring ownership of policies and updating beneficiary designations, including obtaining policy valuations for gift tax preparation.
• Contacts and coordinates with banks, brokers, and other financial institutions to collect information about client assets and transfer such assets.
• Prepares and coordinates the execution and recording of deeds and other necessary documents as needed in accordance with estate plans.
• Coordinates the transfer of assets into and out of trusts, including bank accounts, stock transfers and real estate deeds.
• Coordinates and/or effects distributions to trust beneficiaries.
• Performs routine trust reporting functions, including inventories, annual reconciliations and annual trust accountings.

• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when interacting with clients, advisors, and firm team members.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and Adobe; able to learn new technologies quickly.

• Associate’s Degree (or higher) or a Paralegal Certification required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred. In lieu of the education requirements, qualifying experience under 5 ILCS 70/1.35 for paralegals practicing in Illinois may be considered.
• Substantial equivalent experience in Private Client work will be considered in lieu of education.
• Minimum of two (2) years of private client legal experience required. Legal experience in a capacity other than paralegal may be considered towards qualification for a Paralegal position. To be…