Private Client Paralegal - Tax Specialist

Location: St. Louis, MO (Hybrid after training)

Employment Type: Full-time, non-exempt

A nationally recognized, full-service law firm is seeking an experienced Private Client Paralegal - Tax Specialist to support a sophisticated Trusts & Estates practice. This position is ideal for a seasoned paralegal with deep expertise in estate, gift, and fiduciary income tax preparation who thrives in a collaborative, high-performing professional environment.

This role combines advanced tax compliance responsibilities with trust and estate administration, supporting high-net-worth individuals and families. After an initial training period, the position is eligible for a hybrid-remote work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare federal estate tax returns (Form 706), including asset compilation, valuation review, portability elections, deductions, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare federal gift tax returns (Form 709), including split-gift elections and lifetime exemption tracking.
• Prepare fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041) and applicable state filings in coordination with attorneys.
• Review prior tax returns and financial documents to assist with estate planning strategies and generation-skipping transfer tax analysis.
• Gather, analyze, and organize financial records required for tax compliance, coordinating with clients, financial institutions, appraisers, and advisors.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and well-organized tax workpapers consistent with firm and regulatory standards.
• Assist with trust and estate administration, including drafting routine probate pleadings, inventories, accountings, and related documents.
• Coordinate trust funding and asset transfers with banks, brokers, insurance companies, and other third parties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated professionalism and discretion with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, advisors, attorneys, and staff at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; strong technical aptitude with Adobe and legal technology tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to analyze complex documents and draft clear, business-appropriate correspondence.
• Highly detail-oriented with strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and above-average critical thinking ability.
• Proactive in communicating workload challenges and assignment expectations.
• Willingness to work overtime or travel occasionally as business needs require.

Experience and Education

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree required.
• Paralegal certificate preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of hands-on experience in estate, gift, and fiduciary income tax preparation required.
• Substantial experience preparing Forms 706, 709, and 1041 is required.
• Prior experience in a law firm, accounting firm, or other professional services environment strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

The firm offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, parental leave, wellness programs, tuition assistance, and transportation benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer | M/F/D/V

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.