About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Estate Administrator / Paralegal to join an expanding legal team in Hauppauge, New York. Your primary focus will be preparing Surrogate's Court petitions and related documents for the Probate and Administration of Estates, making direct Probate and Estate Administration experience the most important qualification for this position.
You will work closely with attorneys while maintaining substantial direct contact with clients throughout the estate administration process. This role is ideal for someone who can independently manage detailed legal work while providing responsive, professional support to clients. As the practice grows, you will have the opportunity to deepen your experience across Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Elder Law, and guardianship matters.
Responsibilities
- Prepare Surrogate's Court petitions and supporting documents for Probate and Estate Administration matters.
- Help move estate matters from initial intake through court filings and ongoing administration.
- Maintain frequent, professional communication with clients throughout the estate administration process.
- Support attorneys handling Estate Administration, Estate Planning, and Elder Law matters.
- Prepare and assist with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and related estate planning documents.
- Prepare additional Surrogate's Court petitions and supporting legal documentation as needed.
- Assist with guardianship applications and related filings.
- Maintain accurate, organized case files while tracking documents, deadlines, and outstanding information.
- Communicate effectively with attorneys, clients, courts, and other parties involved in active matters.
- Identify missing information or documentation issues early and help resolve them before they delay a matter.
Requirements
- Hands-on professional experience with Probate and Estate Administration; this is the primary experience requirement.
- Experience preparing Surrogate's Court petitions and related Probate or Administration documents.
- Experience supporting attorneys with Estate Administration, Estate Planning, and/or Elder Law matters.
- Strong client-facing experience and the ability to manage frequent client communication professionally.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong Microsoft Office and general computer skills.
- Excellent attention to detail, organization, analytical judgment, and problem-solving ability.
- Experience preparing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care proxies.
- Experience preparing guardianship applications or other Surrogate's Court petitions.
- Experience using HotDocs.
- Knowledge of Time Matters legal practice management software.
Benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Full-time Monday through Friday schedule.
- Opportunity to build deeper expertise in Elder Law, Estate Administration, and Estate Planning.
- Exposure to a collaborative legal team with experienced attorneys and paralegals.
- Long-term growth opportunities within an expanding practice.