Trusts & Estates Associate Attorney

About the Firm:

We are a well-established law firm with a strong reputation in private client services, estate planning, and tax law. Our clients include high-net-worth individuals, family offices, closely held businesses, and fiduciaries. We offer a collaborative environment, direct client contact, and significant responsibility early in your career.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a mid-level associate (36 years of experience) to join our Tax, Trusts & Estates practice. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in estate planning, estate and trust administration, and transfer tax law, along with a desire to deepen their experience in complex, multigenerational wealth planning.

Responsibilities:

Design and implement estate plans tailored to clients' financial and personal goals.

Draft and review sophisticated estate planning documents, including GRATs, SLATs, ILITs, QTIPs, and charitable trusts.

Handle complex trust and estate administration, including probate, fiduciary duties, and asset transfers.

Advise clients on estate, gift, GST, and income tax strategies, including lifetime giving, business succession, and charitable planning.

Prepare and/or supervise the preparation of federal and state estate, gift, and fiduciary income tax returns (Forms 706, 709, 1041).

Coordinate with clients accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals to ensure cohesive planning.

Conduct legal research and stay current on changes in relevant tax and estate laws.

Participate in client meetings and manage day-to-day client communications with professionalism and efficiency.

Assist with training and mentoring junior associates and paralegals as needed.

Qualifications:

J.D. from an accredited law school and active member of the State Bar.

3-6 years of relevant experience in a law firm or boutique trusts and estates practice.

LL.M. in Taxation or CPA background preferred.

Strong working knowledge of federal estate, gift, and income tax law.

Excellent drafting, organizational, and client communication skills.

Detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Familiarity with estate planning and tax software (e.g., GEMS, WealthCounsel, HotDocs) is a plus.

LL.M preferred in Taxation or Estate Planning.

Bar admission in one or more states in which the Firm has an office and where the candidate desires to be resident is required.

Strong academic credentials, excellent oral and written communication skills required.

We offer an excellent compensation package and comprehensive benefits program.