Paralegal

Job Title: Paralegal

Reports To: The Paralegal reports the Firm Administrator.

At Stadig Johnson, we are committed to building trusted, long-term relationships with our clients, as we help them achieve their goals in building lasting legacies for their families. We offer highly specialized guidance based on years of experience to successfully manage estate and wealth transfer planning, trusts and estate, gifting, tax planning, and related family advising. We empower employees to take part in building these connections and taking on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile work environment.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and dedicated Paralegal to join our firm. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of estate planning, trust administration, and probate processes. This role involves supporting attorneys by preparing legal documents, conducting research, and managing client communications to ensure the efficient and effective completion of client estate plans and administration of estates and trusts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Estate Planning Matters:

a. Assist attorneys in preparation and presentation for client meetings and participate in client meetings.

b. Assist attorneys in drafting and reviewing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents.

c. Conduct legal research related to estate planning matters and issues.

d. Coordinate with clients to gather necessary information for estate planning and preparation of documents to assist in funding of trusts and other matters for completion of the estate planning process.

2. Probate Matters and Contested Trust Administration Matters:

a. Prepare and file probate and related trust documents with the appropriate courts.

b. Assist in the administration of contested trusts, including managing disputes and coordinating with involved parties.

c. Maintain detailed records of probate activities and accountings.

3. Trust and Foundation Administration Matters:

a. Support the administration of trusts and foundations per the terms of the applicable trust and foundational documents, including coordination of applicable and necessary distributions.

b. Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations in trust and foundation administration.

c. Prepare necessary documentation and ensure compliance for trust and foundation administration.

4. Client Lists and Annual Entity Renewals:

a. Maintain and update client lists, ensuring all information is accurate and current.

b. Manage annual entity renewals, including preparing and filing required documents.

c. Coordinate with clients to ensure timely completion of renewal processes.

5. File Management:

a. Organize and manage client files, ensuring all documents are up-to-date and accurately filed.

b. Implement and maintain an efficient filing system for easy retrieval of documents.

c. Ensure confidentiality and security of all client information.

Education, Skills and Knowledge:

· Bachelor’s Degree

· Paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited program preferred, or a combination of education and/or experience

· 2-3 years of significant and substantive experience as a paralegal/legal assistant in a law firm setting.

· Proficient with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel

· Ability to become familiar with new programs and software (e.g., firm file management and billing program – Clio)

· Strong verbal and written communications skills, along with excellent proofreading skills to ensure accuracy in legal documents

· Strong organizational, time management and problem-solving skills

· Able to effectively manage multiple responsibilities concurrently

· Accurate with attention to details and deadlines

· Confidentiality

· Excellent interpersonal and friendly professional demeanor

· Must be motivated to learn and a self-starter

· Willingness to take on responsibility for projects and matters

Working Conditions:

This position requires the candidate to be onsite for 40 hours per week. The role involves working in a professional office environment where collaboration with team members and direct interaction with clients are essential. The candidate must be able to commit to a full-time schedule, ensuring consistent availability during standard business hours to support the needs of the team and clients effectively.

Compensation and Benefits:

· Competitive compensation package, including the potential for earning performance bonuses, with the base salary being commensurate with experience.

· This position qualifies for all firm benefits, including retirement plan with firm contribution, health insurance with health savings account contributions, disability and life insurance and generous paid time off.

About Stadig Johnson:

Since 1993, Stadig Johnson has been committed to building trusted, long-term relationships with our clients, as we help them achieve their goals in building lasting legacies for their families. We create a unique opportunity for employees to be part of a firm that is proud to offer a family-oriented experience with opportunity to directly impact the success of the valued client relationships that we build.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Ability to Commute:

• Minnetonka, MN 55305 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Minnetonka, MN 55305: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person