**About This Opportunity**

You are the organized, empathetic professional who guides families through one of life’s most challenging transitions. This is your chance to step into a pivotal role with a respected Long Island law firm, where your expertise in estate administration provides clarity and closure. You’ll be the trusted right hand to attorneys, managing the crucial details that turn complex legal processes into executed wishes. If you find deep satisfaction in meticulous work that truly helps people, this role is for you.

**Your Mission: Orchestrate Seamless Estate & Trust Administration**

Based in either Smithtown or Melville, you will be the operational heart of the practice. You’ll take the lead in managing all administrative aspects of estates and trusts from inception to distribution, ensuring every "i" is dotted and every court deadline is met. Your day will be a blend of client interaction, detailed document preparation, and strategic collaboration.

Your core responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and filing probate and administration petitions with the Surrogate’s Court.
- Collecting and valuing estate assets, securing date-of-death valuations from financial institutions.
- Drafting and filing key legal documents, including inventories, accountings, receipts, releases, and consents.
- Serving as a primary point of contact for clients, beneficiaries, financial institutions, and government agencies.
- Preparing federal (Form 706) and state estate tax returns, as well as fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041), in coordination with CPAs.
- Managing estate administration calendars, monitoring critical deadlines, and maintaining meticulous case checklists.
- Reviewing and reconciling estate bank statements and preparing informal accountings.
- Assisting with trust funding, ongoing trust administration, and post-mortem planning.

**You Bring the Precision We Need**

You’re a proactive problem-solver who understands that sensitivity is as important as accuracy in this field. You thrive on managing multiple matters without letting a single detail slip.

**What We’re Looking For:**
- 3+ years of direct experience as a Trusts & Estates or Estate Administration paralegal.
- A solid understanding of New York probate procedures and Surrogate’s Court rules.
- Practical familiarity with the preparation of estate and fiduciary income tax returns.
- Impeccable organizational skills and a fanatical attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills—you can explain complex processes with compassion and clarity.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal case management software.
- A Bachelor’s degree or Paralegal Certificate is preferred.

**Compensation & Benefits**

This position offers a competitive annual salary of $70,000 - $90,000, commensurate with your experience, plus a solid benefits package. You’ll be valu