Paralegal to the Public Administrator
Date: March 4, 2026
Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC, a law firm of 300 attorneys in over 30 practice groups, is accepting applications for a full-time Paralegal to support our Trust and Estate Department in our Rochester, NY location. The ideal candidate is a true self-starter, collaborative, and a creative trust & estate professional. The successful candidate will provide paralegal support to the Public Administrator.
Position Responsibilities:
- Open new estate administration matters wherein the Monroe County Public Administrator is appointed.
- When applicable, prepare, or direct other staff to prepare, relevant appointment document(s) for execution and submission to Surrogate’s Court.
- Assist with the collection of tangible assets, inventory each asset, and keep asset ledgers current.
- Notify financial institutions of the passing of the decedent and the appointment of the Public Administrator. Obtain necessary paperwork to closeout decedent’s accounts (i.e. stocks, life insurance, mutual funds, etc.) and transfer such accounts, along with any non-beneficiary designated assets, into the name of the estate.
- Log all real estate on appropriate ledgers and update as needed.
- Obtain approval for payment of debts and administrative expenses. Utilize estate funds to pay necessary debts and administrative expenses with the approval of the Public Administrator/Deputy Public Administrator.
- Assist in the preparation of all judicial settlement documents required to formally close the estate with the Surrogate’s Court and assist in serving all interested parties in accordance with relevant notice requirements under the New York State Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act.
- Gather information needed for preparation of fiduciary income tax returns required for estates and trusts; conduct initial preparation of tax returns and accountings if necessary.
- Prepare and file six-month reports in June and December and annual report in the beginning of every calendar year in accordance with SCPA §1208(2) with the Monroe County Surrogate’s Court. Run reports of all open estates and prepare monthly settlement reports to be filed with the Monroe County Surrogate’s Court.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
- Minimum of 2 years of trust and estate-related experience, including a background in trusts and estates and probate, with a law firm or in-house legal department (Preferred); and
- Either a minimum of 2 years of college, Paralegal Certificate or equivalent work experience or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Tax
- Must be an independent, proactive, organized and diligent worker and able to work with minimal direction;
- Must be able to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities;
- Must be able to create positive working relationships and effectively communicate with all parties in the transaction;
- Must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Must possess excellent writing and verbal skills;
- Must be able to multi-task, be detailed oriented and be able to prioritize daily tasks and responsibilities;
- Experience with bookkeeping, tax and estate administration software programs is a plus
At Bond, exceptional work product and a collegial work environment are cornerstones of our success. We are committed to the communities in which we live and work. Bond has long recognized the value, both to its team and to our communities, of active participation in and support of charitable, governmental, professional, and community-based organizations.
This position's salary range is between $65,000 and $75,000 negotiable based on years of experience.
An offer of employment from Bond is contingent on:
- Completion of a satisfactory conflicts check
- Completion of a satisfactory background check
- Completion of a satisfactory reference check
Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC provides all employees and applicants an equal employment opportunity in the manner required by law in all aspects of employment regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status or any other status protected by local, state or federal law. We thank all applicants for their interest and will contact those candidates who are under consideration.
