Paralegal - Estates & Trusts - Naples
Paralegal - Estates & Trusts - Naples
Posted on September 10, 2025
Culture and Engagement at Dentons
Fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture is a core priority at Dentons. We are committed to creating an environment that values and respects the contributions of all colleagues. By attracting, supporting, promoting and retaining highly qualified individuals of various backgrounds and experiences, we strengthen our ability to provide innovative solutions, deliver exceptional client service, and advance the success of our Firm. Dentons takes an active approach to promoting a collaborative and inclusive workplace by investing in professional development and culture initiatives.
Responsibilities and practice
Dentons Cohen & Grigsby is seeking a full‑time experienced Estates & Trusts Paralegal for our Naples, Florida office; this is an in‑office position. This position will support the Estates & Trusts Practice Group and will report to the Estates & Trusts Practice Group Lawyers. In brief, research law, investigate facts, and prepare documents to assist the Estates & Trusts Lawyers by performing the following duties:
Under the supervision of a lawyer, values assets, prepares accountings related to trust and estate administration and various tax returns including federal estate tax, fiduciary income taxes, reports
Prepares drafts of various estate plan documents, codicils, agreements, forms and status reports
Prepares and delivers communications to clients, estate administrators, beneficiaries, interested parties
Research simple to complex legal and factual issues and summarizes for internal and external review and use
Assists with the creation, organization and maintenance of forms, client materials and attorney work product in software and databases including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, etc.
Drafting client's documents for review by an attorney; documents that are commonly prepared by a probate paralegal include Estate Planning documents, such as Wills, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, and Living Wills, and Probate Estate documents such as Petitions, Motions, Testamentary Letters, Inventories, Accountings, and Notices
Assists with on‑going administrative client matters including preparation of routine EINs, tracks various calendaring events, tracks billable and non‑billable time and inputs into timekeeping system, adheres to firm's administrative standards
Assist with trust administration tasks such as maintain trust accounts, bill payments, bank reconciliations, correspondence, and communications regarding same
Assists with the drafting of letters, making phone calls, and sending faxes to various other professionals. This may include:
Working with banks to help personal representatives collect estate assets, arrange the return of a vehicle on which it holds a loan, or help an employee who is personal representative of an estate
Notifying creditors of the estate's intention not to pay a bill, negotiating a compromise, or arranging for payment of a debt
Arranging for income, gift, or inheritance taxes to be prepared
Collecting assets from retirement, investment, and other accounts
Position requirements
Personal skills/attributes
Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data
Design - Demonstrates attention to detail
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, maintains confidentiality
Oral Communication - Listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; is able to read and interpret written information
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; contributes to building a positive team spirit
Professionalism - Accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to direction; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals
Initiative - Takes independent actions and calculated risks; asks for and offers help when needed
Technical skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, PDF creation tool(s), document management software, Elite or other timekeeping software, Internet, and estate administration, accounting & tax preparation software required
Other requirements
Bachelor’s or Associates Degree required or Paralegal Certificate and equivalent experience
Minimum of 5‑8 years of Estates & Trusts experience
Demonstrated knowledge of trust and estate accountings and principal and income accounting concepts; Florida estate and trust law; probate administration processes and procedures; Probate Court rules; duties and obligations of trustees and personal representatives
Must have superior communication skills and be able to work in a team environment
Ability to work independently to organize large amounts of data, both hardcopy and electronic, into an easily retrievable system
Must have the ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure
Must have the ability to interact and work productively with all levels of firm staff
Professional demeanor, attention to detail, and great organizational skills are essential
Strong verbal, written, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Strong computer technical skills and demonstrated ability to learn new software
Ability to maintain discretion and privacy with confidential matters and documents
Ability to recognize and comprehend facts and legal concepts
Ability to lift boxes up to 25 lbs., and to transport files, documents and office supplies throughout the office
Excellent client service, ability to work overtime and travel as needed
Equal opportunities
Dentons Cohen & Grigsby is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
How to apply
Search Firms
We are not accepting search firm submissions for this position.
Direct applicants
Direct applicants may click below to email Brandon Zimmerman, Director of Human Resources (brandon.zimmerman@dentons.com).
Apply Now (brandon.zimmerman@dentons.com?subject=Estates & Trusts Paralegal - Naples)
About Dentons
Redefining possibilities. Together, everywhere. For more information visit dentons.com
#J-18808-Ljbffr