JOB TITLE: (Trust and Estate Planning) Paralegal

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

HOURS: M-F 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Hybrid)

LOCATION: Overland Park, KS Office

POSITION SUMMARY

The Trust and Estate Planning Paralegal is a full time, non-exempt position based in our Overland Park, KS office. This position is responsible for estate planning support. The individual will be working in a dynamic environment that requires excellent organization, handling a multitude of tasks simultaneously, independent thinking and self-direction, the ability to work well with people, and determination to get the job done. Spencer Fane offers an excellent benefits package and an opportunity to work in a challenging and collaborative environment.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Draft estate planning documents, including wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, qualified person residence trusts, charitable trusts, foundations, durable Powers of Attorney, health care directives, and asset transfers.
• Assist with post mortem trust and estate administration, including creation of sub trusts, allocation of assets, and transfers to trusts.
• Establish and administer Missouri probate estates, Kansas probate estates and guardianship/conservatorship estates.
• Draft corporate formation, corporate maintenance, and corporate dissolution documents, including limited partnership agreements and operating agreements.
• Organize and administer irrevocable trusts, charitable foundations, non-profit organizations, family limited partnerships and limited liability companies.
• Prepare and review estate tax returns (Form 706), gift tax returns (Form 709), and non-profit returns.
• Draft real estate deeds and other asset title documents.
• Independently use sound judgment and initiative to develop project timelines; monitor critical deadlines.
• Handle file maintenance and organization.
• Demonstrate effective teamwork, and work cooperatively with other departments and individuals in the firm.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with attorneys, clients and related parties.
• Track and record time in InTapp Time to ensure services provided are appropriately charged.

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Undergraduate degree and/or paralegal certificate required.
• 5-7 years of paralegal experience in the trust and estate planning field preferred.
• Familiarity with federal gift and estate returns, tax-exempt organizations, and formation of LLCs, partnerships, and corporations preferred.
• Experience with Kansas and Missouri probate proceedings helpful.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate projects and cases for more than one attorney simultaneously.
• Must cope successfully with demands from attorneys and remain calm under pressure.
• Willingness to work long hours when needed.
• Must conduct all business in a confidential manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Position is generally sedentary in nature; involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally or routinely lift up 10 - 20 lbs. required.
• Ability to talk and hear required.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions required.
• Ability to sit, stand and walk required.
• Ability to reach, lift, climb, balance, stoop and crouch required.
• Ability to see and read PC screens, detect color coding, read fine print, and/or normal type size print.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.