Estate Planning Attorney

Estate Planning AttorneyPosition OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Estate Planning Attorney to join our firm and provide comprehensive counsel to individuals, families, and fiduciaries on estate, trust and tax planning matters. The ideal candidate will draft estate planning documents, advise clients on trust formation and administration, coordinate transfers of real estate and retirement accounts, and represent clients in disputed matters when necessary. This role requires strong technical knowledge of trusts, fiduciary duties, estate and gift taxation, and practical experience with trustee services and trust administration.

Key ResponsibilitiesCounsel clients on comprehensive estate and trust planning strategies including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives.

Draft, review, and update estate planning documents, trust instruments, beneficiary designations, prenuptial/postnuptial provisions, and related transactional documents with clear, precise legal drafting.

Provide trust administration and trustee services: prepare accountings, advise trustees on fiduciary duties, oversee asset distributions, and coordinate with financial institutions, custodians, and beneficiaries.

Advise clients on estate and gift tax planning, including lifetime gifting strategies, generation-skipping transfer planning, and tax-efficient wealth transfer techniques.

Coordinate retirement account planning and transfers (IRAs, 401(k)s), life insurance planning, and beneficiary designation strategies to ensure alignment with estate plans.

Manage real estate transfers, titling, and deed preparation for estate and trust assets, and collaborate with title companies and real estate professionals.

Represent clients in trust and estate litigation and disputes, including will contests, breach of fiduciary duty claims, contested accountings, and probate litigation; collaborate with litigation specialists when appropriate.

Work closely with financial advisors, accountants, insurance professionals, and other outside advisors to implement integrated estate plans and coordinate post-death administration.

Maintain up-to-date legal research and stay informed on changes to estate, probate, and tax law to ensure compliance and provide proactive advice.

Develop and maintain strong client relationships through clear communication, responsiveness, and practical problem-solving; participate in business development and community outreach as appropriate.

QualificationsJuris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to the state bar in good standing.5+ years of experience practicing estate planning, trust administration, or probate law; more senior candidates encouraged to apply.

Demonstrated experience with trusts, trust administration, fiduciary duties, estate tax planning, and beneficiary designation issues.

Practical knowledge of retirement account planning (IRAs, 401(k)s), life insurance planning, and real estate transfer/titling relevant to estate settlements.

Experience handling trust and estate litigation or working closely with litigators on contested matters.

Strong legal drafting skills with attention to detail and clear, client-focused communication.

Ability to manage multiple matters, meet deadlines, and supervise junior attorneys or paralegals when required.

Proficiency in legal research tools and estate planning software; comfort with virtual meeting and document management platforms.

High ethical standards, professional demeanor, and a commitment to client service and confidentiality.