Cook Inlet Region, Inc is seeking a talented Paralegal, Probate to join our Probate team. This position is based in Anchorage, AK.
CIRI's offices are conveniently located in mid-town Anchorage at the Fireweed Business Center, a modern building that represents CIRI’s cultural diversity, respect for the land, and sustainability. The Fireweed Business Center reflects our heritage in the displayed Alaska Native art and interior design.
Cook Inlet Region, Inc., also known as CIRI, is one of 12 land-based Alaska Native regional corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). CIRI’s regional boundaries roughly follow the traditional Dena’ina territory of Southcentral Alaska. CIRI was incorporated on June 8, 1972, and is owned today by a diverse group of more than 9,500 Shareholders who live in Alaska and throughout the world.
CIRI offers excellent benefits for eligible employees. Benefits include paid holidays, paid time off, 401K with employer match, dental, vision, health insurance plans through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program, as well as life and disability benefits.
CIRI only accepts applications through our online career page at https://www.ciri.com/careers/jobs/
General Function
In alignment with CIRI’s mission and values, assists with the processing of estates from inception through settlement, including examination of legal documents, research, and application of probate legal principles to determine the legal heirs of CIRI stock belonging to deceased Shareholders. This position also assists with review of estate-related matters conducted by other probate staff.
Major Activities (Typical Duties/Responsibilities)
- Process estates for deceased Shareholders. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Research various areas of the law (e.g., statutes, codes, legal articles, precedent cases, or judicial decisions) to identify potential issues and determine heirs.
- Prepare draft memoranda summarizing legal analysis, any potential and unresolved issues and recommend settlement for Associate General Counsel’s approval.
- Oversee that all documentation required in settling estates is requested and obtained.
- Attempt to locate missing heirs.
- Assure 30-day advance notice of proposed stock distribution to inheritors and interested parties is accurate and mailed in a timely manner.
- Verify existence of personal estate funds and send timely initial requests for documentation required to release those funds.
- Draft correspondence in response to any formal objections to a proposed distribution.
- Perform other tasks as appropriate and assigned relating to the estate process.
- Assist with reviewing written communications drafted by other probate staff to ensure accuracy and serve as backup for communicating with and helping Shareholders, family members, potential heirs, and other individuals in person, over the phone and through written correspondence to answer questions and resolve estate-related concerns.
- Review probate-related articles and publications for accuracy, including synopsis of obituary and condolence notices, and prepare notices of missing heirs for publication.
- Provide backup support as needed in preparing estate statistics for quarterly reporting and with all aspects of conducting CIRI Stock Will campaigns.
- Generate reports, maintain files and create and revise standard forms and form letters, procedures and database and spreadsheet layouts.
- Assist with review of tax forms and associated letters for deceased Shareholders for accuracy and identify appropriate person for tax-reporting purposes for deceased Shareholder’s estates.
- Provide backup support for probate-related matters as needed, including serving as witness or notary for execution of stock wills.
- Maintain notary certification and notarize departmental forms as appropriate.
- Perform other duties as are appropriate and as assigned.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Understand CIRI’s mission, vision and strategic focus areas and incorporate knowledge into daily activities.
- Knowledge of Alaska Statutes and ability to research and analyze relevant laws applicable to estate settlements.
- General understanding of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and the ANCSA amendments.
- Ability to maintain accurate digital and physical records.
- Keen understanding of legal terminology and advanced ability to research, organize and analyze technical information with particular attention to accuracy and detail.
- Make decisions, solve problems, and exercise good judgment.
- Superior organizational, follow-up and detail-oriented skills.
- Work well under pressure and independently prioritize workload while working on multiple projects.
- Work independently, as well as on a team, with minimal supervision, including ability to follow complex verbal and written instructions.
- Proficient using Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint and industry-standard computer software and databases.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including thorough knowledge of proper grammar and advanced vocabulary, spelling, composition, editing and proofreading skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to work effectively and cooperatively with all levels of management and staff; ability to be empathetic with respect to Shareholders’ needs and problems; ability to maintain poise when dealing with high-pressure situations.
- High degree of sensitivity regarding confidential information.
Physical Abilities
- Sufficient fine motor skills for use of computers and calculators with an ability to withstand repetitive keyboarding for extended periods of time
- Visual and communication ability sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job
- Ability to kneel, bend and twist at the waist on an occasional basis
- Ability to reach below shoulder height with regular frequency (desk position) and at or above shoulder height on occasion
- Ability to push, pull, carry, and lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds on a regular basis, and greater weights on an occasional basis
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in legal or paralegal studies or paralegal certificate OR High School Diploma/GED and three or more years of experience working as a paralegal
- Knowledge of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act preferred
- Ability to obtain and maintain a notary certification
- Ability to pass a background check
CIRI does not discriminate, and the company provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, age, marital status, pregnancy or parenthood, handicap or disability, genetics, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. CIRI adheres to all federal, state and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and will not discriminate against you in violation of these laws. CIRI reserves the right to apply CIRI Shareholder preference to qualified Shareholders in employment and advancement opportunities.