Trusts & Estates Associate Attorney

We are seeking a Associate to Mid level Trust and Estates attorney who enjoys advising individuals and families on a range of estate planning needs, solving complex planning challenges, and collaborating with a highly engaged team. The role includes comprehensive estate planning for individuals and families, as well as more sophisticated matters for high-net-worth clients. 

The ideal candidate will have the experience and judgement to independently manage estate planning matters while mentoring junior attorneys. A strong tax background and experience designing and implementing sophisticated estate and wealth transfer strategies, including SLATs, GRATs, IDGTs, ILITs, family entities, charitable planning, and federal and state gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning, are valued but not required. 

You Will 

• Advise clients on sophisticated estate and wealth transfer strategies involving trusts, business entities, and other planning structures designed to preserve wealth, minimize taxation, and accomplish clients' personal and family objectives 

• Design and implement complex estate plans involving federal and state gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax considerations 

• Draft and review advanced estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, family limited partnerships, limited liability company agreements, and related instruments 

• Counsel clients regarding charitable giving, business succession, asset protection considerations, and cross-border or multi-jurisdictional planning matters 

• Independently manage probate and administration proceedings, including the preparation and filing of petitions and supporting documents with the Surrogate's Court 

• Analyze existing estate plans and recommend appropriate modifications based on changes in clients' families, finances, residency, business interests, or applicable law 

• Collaborate with accountants, financial advisors, insurance professionals, valuation experts, corporate trustees, and attorneys in other jurisdictions to implement comprehensive planning strategies 
• Help refine the firm's drafting standards, internal systems, workflows, knowledge resources, and best practices 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and professional referral sources 

• Stay current on developments in federal and state trust, estate, tax, and related laws 

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school 

• Admission to practice in New York and good standing with the bar 

• At least 3-5 years of substantial experience handling sophisticated estate planning matters 
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex client matters from initial consultation through drafting, execution, and implementation 

• Excellent drafting, analytical, research, issue spotting, and client counseling skills 

• Admission to practice in new Jersey or Connecticut is a plus 

What we're looking for 

• A genuine interest in sophisticated estate and tax planning 

• Strong technical knowledge, analytical ability, and professional judgement 

• Exceptional client counseling skills and the ability to explain complicated legal and tax concepts clearly and practically 

• A collaborative leadership style and genuine interest in mentoring other attorneys 

• A proactive, organized, and detail-oriented approach to managing matters and deadlines 

• The ability to navigate sensitive family, financial, and interpersonal dynamics with confidence, discretion, and compassion 

• An interest in contributing to the continued growth, development, and reputation of the firm 

Benefits

• $150,000–$225,000 Salary based on experience 

• 401(k) with employer match 

• Health insurance 

• Short- and long-term disability insurance 

• Professional dues 

• CLEs 

• Licensing and malpractice coverage 

• Birthday holiday 

• One (1) paid volunteer day each month 

• Summer Fridays 

• Generous PTO and holidays 

• Performance-based bonuses 

• Hybrid work schedule