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)

1. Processes estates for deceased Shareholders. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Researching various areas of the law (e.g., statutes, codes, legal articles, precedent cases, or judicial decisions) to identify potential issues and determine heirs.
2. Preparing draft memoranda summarizing legal analysis, any potential and unresolved issues and recommended settlement for Manager, Probate’s approval.
3. Overseeing that all documentation required in settling estates is requested and obtained.
4. Assuring 30-day advance notice of proposed stock distribution to inheritors and interested parties is accurate and mailed in a timely manner.
5. Drafting correspondence in response to any formal objections to a proposed distribution.
6. Performing other tasks as appropriate and assigned relating to the estate process.

2. Assists with reviewing written communications drafted by other probate staff to ensure accuracy and serves 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.

3. Coordinates completion and proper storage of confidentiality agreements relative to the Granite database and CIRI’s Estate Training Guide, including any associated Terms of Use Agreement(s), and prepares and distributes the CIRI Estate Training Guide.

4. Reviews all probate-related articles and publications for accuracy, including synopsis of obituary and condolence notices, and prepares notices of missing heirs for publication. 

5. Provides backup support as needed in preparing estate statistics for quarterly reporting and with all aspects of conducting CIRI Stock Will campaigns.

6. Generates reports, maintains files and creates and revises standard forms and form letters, procedures and database and spreadsheet layouts.

7. Prepares lists of deceased Shareholders for reporting to the annual meeting tabulator and publication in Shareholder potlatch programs.

8. Assists with reviewing tax forms and associated letters for deceased Shareholders for accuracy and for identifying appropriate person for tax-reporting purposes for deceased Shareholder’s estates.

9. Provides backup support for probate-related matters as needed, including serving as witness or notary for execution of stock wills and assigning work direction in the absence of the Manager, Probate.

10. Maintains notary certification and notarizes departmental forms as appropriate.

11. Performs 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates or bachelor’s degree in legal or paralegal studies.
• Three or more years’ experience as a paralegal, legal assistant or other legal or related business experience.
• Paralegal certification strongly preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a notary certification.
• Ability to pass a background check.