Estate Administration Senior Associate Attorney
Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP is a full-service, rapidly growing and entrepreneurial law firm focused on an interdisciplinary approach to the practice of law. Our team is composed of thought leaders across a variety of practice areas, including some of the nation’s leading voices on web3, taxation, and a variety of other fields. We bring together experts across all of our practice areas to achieve extraordinary results which would not be achievable at a more narrowly focused firm.
Respect, appreciation, and quality of life come first and foremost. We care deeply about the people we bring into our firm and offer a unique emphasis on professional development. We work collaboratively to drive client success.
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Estate Administration Associate to join our Trusts & Estates team. The ideal candidate brings substantial hands-on experience managing complex estate and trust administration matters, a deep understanding of New York Surrogate’s Court procedures, and the ability to work directly with high-net-worth clients, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries.
This role is best suited for someone who thrives in a collaborative legal environment, demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, and can independently manage a sophisticated caseload from start to finish.
Key Responsibilities:
Handle all aspects of probate and estate administration, including preparing and filing petitions, inventories, fiduciary accountings, notices, waivers, and related Surrogate’s Court documents.
Coordinate and communicate with executors, trustees, beneficiaries, accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals.
Oversee collection, valuation, and transfer of estate assets, including real estate, business interests, and investment portfolios.
Prepare estate tax returns (federal Form 706 and NYS ET-706), fiduciary income tax returns, and required supporting documentation in coordination with tax advisors.
Manage estate settlement tasks such as resolving creditor claims, distributing assets, and drafting release agreements.
Support attorneys with complex trust administration, including trust funding, trust modification, decanting, and annual fiduciary accountings.
Maintain organized case files, timelines, and compliance checklists to ensure timely and accurate administration.
Provide exceptional service to clients by responding to inquiries, explaining processes, and ensuring transparent communication.
Required:
5+ years of experience in estate administration within a law firm or trust company environment.
Comprehensive knowledge of New York Surrogate’s Court rules, probate procedures, and relevant state and federal tax requirements.
Proficiency with NetDocs, Clio, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong drafting and organizational skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously and work efficiently under deadlines.
Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—with a client-focused approach.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth estates.
Familiarity with complex trust structures and multistate or international estate issues.
Paralegal certification or related professional credential (optional but valuable).
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement plan options.
Paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities.
Supportive, team-oriented work environment with opportunities for long-term career growth.
Salary Range: $140- $180K