Trusts and Estates Counsel (Chicago)

Our Firm

At Santa Barbara Management (SBM), we are shaping the wealth of those who shape our world. Companies and investment firms built today are scaling faster than at any time in history, and so is the wealth of the builders leading those organizations. We’re investing in that future and building the family office solution to serve those leaders.

SBM is a family office designed to enable exceptional builders and their families to thrive. Our all-in-one solution combines investments, tax compliance and strategy, trust and estates advisory and administration, financial administration and strategic finance under one roof and one team.

Founded in 2024 by a small group of successful business builders who sought to reimagine the ideal family office experience for themselves, SBM now powers the family office operations of some of the leading founders and investors of our time.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Trusts & Estates Attorney with experience in ultra high net worth ($250M+) planning to serve as an in-house expert and trusted advisor on trust and estate matters. This role combines deep technical expertise with proactive planning and client partnership. You will work with clients to build and maintain estate structures that reflect their goals, anticipate change, and coordinate seamlessly with outside counsel and advisors. You will deliver clear, timely, and actionable advice that serves clients’ stated goals.

We are an entrepreneurial firm that moves quickly. We're not looking for someone to just issue spot. We're looking for someone to take traditional legal thinking to the next level: diagnose the problem, design a solution, vet it, and then present it to the client before they even think of it. This role requires a strong work ethic, a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, a comfort with ambiguity, and a drive to tackle challenges head-on. The ideal candidate is passionate about making an impact, energized by helping and communicating directly with clients, is curious and deeply interested in estate planning, and is eager to contribute to a team that values initiative and forward-thinking solutions.

What You'll Do

Client Advisory & Partnership

• Serve as the first call for clients and client teams on all trust and estate questions.
• Build a deep understanding of each family's structure, goals, and dynamics.
• Partner with relationship leads to anticipate needs, life events, and planning opportunities.
• Ensure clients feel understood, educated, and supported—never surprised.
• Research questions about structure, new planning techniques, and educational components when needed.

Estate Plan Review & Administration

• Review and summarize operative estate planning documents for each client family.
• Build and maintain annual administrative requirements for family trusts, entities, etc.
• Identify inconsistencies or opportunities for improvement relative to stated goals.
• Oversee execution of documents, maintenance of officeholder instruments, and compliance with reporting requirements.
• Monitor and track gift and GST exemption usage, filing status, and deadlines.
• Review and manage preparation of gift tax returns and ensure proper allocation of GST exemption.
• Develop and maintain internal documentation to ensure institutional memory of all structures, transactions, and planning opportunities.

Proactive Planning & Tax Strategy

• Prepare and maintain annual planning calendars summarizing and maintain
• Conduct proactive reviews of federal and state legislative changes that may affect client plans.
• Coordinate annual estate plan reviews with clients and their outside advisors.
• Run transfer tax projections, estate planning transaction analyses, and other forward-looking models.
• Work with Family CFOs to incorporate relevant data in quarterly and annual client reviews.
• Coordinate proactively with the investment team on identifying favorable opportunities (Asset swaps, etc.) and assist in executing.

Wealth Transfer Transactions

• Serve as internal expert on wealth-transfer and estate tax mitigation strategies.
• Review and coordinate valuations, appraisals, gifting, and sale documentation.
• Confirm transfer eligibility and supervise related transfer logistics.
• Liaise with outside attorneys, valuation experts, and other professionals to ensure smooth execution.
• Ensure preparation and maintenance of impeccable transaction summaries and audit-ready documentation.
• Advise on special valuation and discounting considerations (vertical slice or tiered ownership planning).

Charitable & Philanthropic Planning

• Advise clients on charitable structures, including private foundations, DAFs, and charitable/split-interest trusts.
• Draft or review grant and gift agreements, ensuring alignment with donor intent and interface with grantee organizations as needed.
• Track and coordinate federal and state filings for charitable entities.
• Advise on self-dealing and other compliance rules.
• Support clients' philanthropic strategies as part of broader wealth planning.

Audit & Exam Support

• Assist with document production for federal or state audits related to trusts, gifts, or estates.
• Liaise directly with IRS or state agents as necessary in conjunction with outside counsel.

What We Look For

• JD from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing
• 8-10+ years of trust and estate planning experience at a law firm, family office, or wealth management firm serving ultra high net worth clients
• Deep technical expertise across estate, gift, GST, and charitable planning strategies
• Strong experience with entity structuring, valuations, and wealth transfer transactions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable advice
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume, high-pressure environment

Who You Are

• Proactive and solutions-oriented, comfortable with ambiguity and energized by tackling challenges head-on
• Curious and deeply interested in estate planning, energized by direct client communication
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with clients and colleagues
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and prioritization skills
• Forward-looking, anticipatory thinker who plans ahead of legislative or life changes
• Treats no task as too small

What We Offer

• Opportunity to Build Something Different: We are reimagining a significant, under-innovated category of financial services. The people who join us now will help shape how we serve our clients and what this firm becomes.
• Exceptional Colleagues: Join an ambitious and exceptionally talented team led by people who have built category-leading businesses before. The bar is high, and that's the point.
• Meaningful Scope, Real Impact: SBM is growing quickly. There are no small roles, there's no entrenched hierarchy, and the opportunities for professional growth are significant.
• A Culture That Takes Care of Its People: Competitive compensation, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), paid parental leave for all parents, unlimited paid vacation, and flexible hours.
• The Conditions to Do Your Best Work: This role is based in our Chicago office. We work together in person 4 days a week because the best ideas and the strongest cultures are built in the same room.

Compensation at SBM reflects the unique background and experience each person brings to the role. Beyond base salary, you will be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus which, for high performers, can represent a substantial part of total compensation.

Santa Barbara Management is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of the above characteristics. Santa Barbara Management is enrolled in E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new employees.

We are not accepting candidate submissions from external recruiting firms or agencies for this role at this time.