Associate / Attorney - Estate Planning

A confidential Chicago-based law firm is seeking an experienced estate planning attorney to join its trusts and estates practice in a drafting-forward, client-facing role. This opportunity is well suited to an attorney who can manage estate planning matters from intake through execution, with day-to-day ownership of document production, timelines, and client communication.

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUT

• 100% transactional estate planning focus.
• Drafting-centric position with direct client interaction.
• End-to-end responsibility for the estate plan lifecycle (fact gathering, drafting, revisions, and execution coordination).
• Hybrid schedule with in-office collaboration (3 days per week).
• Clear, disclosed billable expectation and business development credit structure.

THE ROLE

• Draft sophisticated estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and related ancillary instruments.
• Run estate planning matters from start to finish, including client intake, asset and family information gathering, drafting, revisions, and execution coordination.
• Communicate directly with clients to understand objectives, explain planning structures, and guide next steps.
• Spot and address common transfer tax planning issues and coordinate on planning considerations as needed.
• Collaborate with other attorneys when estate plans involve closely held business interests, real estate holdings, or other complex assets.
• Maintain organized matter management and follow consistent document preparation processes.

LOCATION, SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION

Location:

Chicago, Illinois

Schedule:

Hybrid, in office 3 days per week

Compensation:

Base salary range: $150,000 to $200,000

REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years of relevant trusts and estates experience with a primary focus on estate planning.
• Significant drafting experience with sophisticated wills and trusts.
• Experience managing estate plans through the full lifecycle, including direct client communication.
• Familiarity with transfer tax concepts, including some gift tax planning exposure.
• Active Illinois bar admission in good standing.
• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
• Strong writing, organization, and matter management skills.
• Demonstrated stability and professionalism in prior roles.

PREFERRED BACKGROUND

• Experience with estate and trust administration.
• Probate, guardianship, or related court process exposure.
• Experience with federal estate and gift tax return matters, including Forms 706 and 709.
• Portable book of business (helpful, not required).

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Billable hour expectation: 1,700 hours.
• Origination credit: 20% on new matters you bring to the firm.

For a confidential and non-obligation call to learn more about this opportunity, please apply below or forward your resume to View email address on click.appcast.io and we’ll be happy to discuss this position in more detail.