Job Description

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 Paralegal (Private Client) to join its Chicago office. With over 400 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.

Under the leadership of the Manager of Practice Support Services, this position will provide legal estate planning services as set forth below.  Candidates successful in this position will possess a high level of professionalism within the organization and maintain all the information in the strictest of confidence. After an initial period of training, this position is eligible for a hybrid-remote work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

Estate Administration

• Obtains the will and drafts necessary documents to file will with probate court.
• Evaluates assets (as of date of death and alternate valuation date); verifies bank balances and prepares inventory and appraisement.
• Maintains estate bank accounts and investments.  Corresponds with dividend disbursing agents.
• Determines the documentation necessary to effect sale or transfer of probate and non-probate assets including real estate, securities, bank accounts, other case earnings, promissory notes, mortgages, automobiles and recreational vehicles.
• Prepares federal and state individual income, charitable organization informational, fiduciary income, federal and state estate tax returns and federal gift tax returns (and any other returns deemed necessary by supervising attorney).

Estate Planning

• Contacts insurance companies and assists with transfer of ownership of policies and/or update beneficiary designations, including obtaining value of policies for gift tax preparation.
• Prepares and conducts execution and recording of deeds and other necessary documents as needed in accordance with estate plans.

Trust Administration

• Responsible for the identification and valuation of trust assets.
• Coordinates the transfer of assets into trusts, including bank accounts, stock transfers and real estate deeds.
• Reviews wills for creation and direction of testamentary trusts; reviews court orders for creation and direction of statutory trusts.
• Drafts inventories, accounts and petitions for those trusts requiring adjudication.

Experience and Education Qualifications

• Must possess a high level of professionalism and interpersonal skills so as to be able to work well with employees at all levels within the organization and maintain all information in the strictest of confidence.  Required to use tact and diplomacy when dealing with others.
• Associate’s Degree (or higher) or a Paralegal Certification required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.  Substantial equivalent experience in Private Client will be considered in lieu of education.  In lieu of the education requirements, qualifying experience under 5 ILCS 70/1.35 for paralegals practicing in Illinois may be considered.
• Legal experience in a capacity other than paralegal may be considered towards qualification for a Paralegal position.  To be determined by paralegal management on a case by case basis.

Thompson Coburn LLP is a large, full service, multi-state firm with offices in Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and Washington D.C. At Thompson Coburn, our behavior and the expectations we have of ourselves are guided by the values that we hold in the highest regard: integrity, a passion for excellence, a focus on serving the client, a value of diversity, innovation, creativity, trust, and loyalty. Within the Firm, we value each other as people and colleagues. In addition to the exceptional working environment and a competitive salary, Thompson Coburn provides the following benefit options to qualifying employees:

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance & ADD policies
• Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) Profit Sharing plans
• Parking/Transportation Stipend
• Section 125 Plan (Pre-tax premiums, dependent care and medical reimbursement)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• College Savings Plan Deductions (529 Plans)
• Long Term Care

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

How to Apply

Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: Not Disclosed.

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