Experienced Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Law Office of David M. Goldman PLLC | Jacksonville, Florida

Compensation: $110,000–$160,000 annually, depending on experience, with additional performance-based compensation opportunities

Full-Time | In-Office | Jacksonville, FL

The Law Office of David M. Goldman PLLC is an established Jacksonville law firm concentrating on estate planning, probate, guardianship, elder law, trust administration, and asset protection.

We assist individuals, families, fiduciaries, and business owners with protecting assets, preserving wealth, planning for incapacity, and transferring property to future generations.

Our practice handles matters ranging from traditional estate planning and probate administration to sophisticated trust structures, Medicaid and long-term-care planning, special needs planning, and asset protection strategies.

We are seeking an experienced Florida attorney who is comfortable working directly with clients, developing practical legal solutions, drafting and reviewing complex documents, and managing matters with a high degree of independence.

This is an opportunity for an attorney who enjoys substantive legal work, values client relationships, and wants to develop professionally within an established and growing practice.

$100,000 - $160,000 yearly annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

Estate Planning and Trusts

• Conduct client consultations and recommend estate planning strategies based on each client's circumstances and objectives.
• Design, draft, review, and implement estate plans, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and related instruments.
• Advise clients concerning trust funding, beneficiary designations, homestead issues, and asset transfers.
• Prepare and review complex trust provisions involving blended families, special needs beneficiaries, business interests, and asset protection.
• Assist with estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning as appropriate to the attorney's experience.

Probate and Trust Administration

• Represent personal representatives, trustees, and beneficiaries in Florida probate and trust administration matters.
• Manage formal and summary probate administrations, including preparation and review of pleadings, inventories, accountings, and distributions.
• Advise fiduciaries concerning their responsibilities, beneficiary rights, creditor claims, and administration requirements.
• Appear in court for probate and related proceedings as needed.
• Identify potential disputes and work toward practical resolutions.

Guardianship and Elder Law

• Assist clients with incapacity planning, guardianship proceedings, and related legal issues.
• Represent clients in guardianship administrations, including appropriate court appearances and oversight of required filings.
• Advise clients concerning Medicaid eligibility, long-term-care planning, and lawful asset preservation strategies.
• Assist with special needs planning, irrevocable trusts, and planning involving vulnerable beneficiaries.
• Work collaboratively with attorneys and staff on complex elder law and asset protection matters.

Client Relationships and Case Management

• Independently manage assigned matters from initial consultation through completion.
• Provide clear, practical legal advice and explain complex issues in terms clients can understand.
• Supervise and collaborate with paralegals and legal assistants, delegating work appropriately.
• Review legal documents for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with Florida law.
• Maintain organized files, meet deadlines, and ensure timely client communication.
• Identify opportunities to improve legal workflows, document preparation, and client service.
• Develop professional relationships and contribute to the continued growth of the firm.

• Wide range of knowledge regarding real estate-related topics such as title insurance, wills and trusts, property management, and litigation
• Great communication skills, particularly in stressful and emotional situations
• At least 1-2 years of working in a law firm on on estate planning and probate law issues is necessary
• Active membership with the ABA (American Bar Association)
• Undergraduate degree with a legal background and Juris Doctor degree required

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with The Florida Bar.
• At least 3 years of substantive legal experience in estate planning, probate, trust administration, or closely related practice areas; 5 or more years strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to draft and review wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents.
• Knowledge of Florida probate and trust law.
• Ability to conduct client consultations, evaluate legal issues, and provide sound legal recommendations.
• Strong legal research, analytical, drafting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate professionally with clients and their families.
• Ability to independently manage multiple client matters while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to work full-time in our Jacksonville office.

Experience in any of the following areas is highly desirable:

• Complex estate planning and irrevocable trusts.
• Florida probate and trust administration.
• Guardianship and incapacity proceedings.
• Elder law and Medicaid planning.
• Asset protection planning and related trust structures.
• Special needs trusts.
• Florida homestead and real estate transfers.
• Business succession planning and closely held business entities.
• Federal estate and gift tax planning, including Forms 706 and 709.
• Trust modification, decanting, and fiduciary matters.
• Estate or trust litigation, including contested probate proceedings.

An LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning, Florida Bar board certification, or a comparable advanced credential is a plus, but not required.

Candidates are not expected to have experience in every area. Strong experience in estate planning or probate, combined with the ability and desire to learn additional practice areas, is particularly valuable.

We are particularly interested in an attorney who:

• Can meet with clients, identify their goals, and develop appropriate legal solutions without requiring constant supervision.
• Takes ownership of cases and proactively moves matters toward completion.
• Understands the importance of producing accurate, thoughtful legal documents rather than relying solely on templates.
• Recognizes potential issues and brings forward solutions, not just questions.
• Is comfortable working with clients facing complicated family dynamics, financial concerns, incapacity, or the loss of a loved one.
• Can delegate effectively to support staff while maintaining responsibility for the quality of the legal work.
• Values efficiency, technology, and continually improving how legal services are delivered.
• Has an interest in developing long-term client and professional referral relationships.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume along with a brief description of your experience in Florida estate planning, probate, trust administration, guardianship, or elder law.

We are particularly interested in learning:

• The types of legal matters you currently handle.
• Your experience conducting client consultations and designing estate plans.
• The types of trusts and other legal documents you regularly draft.
• Your ability to independently manage client matters.
• Any additional experience with guardianship, Medicaid planning, asset protection, or complex estate planning.

All inquiries will be handled confidentially.

Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Florida and available to work in our Jacksonville office.

The Law Office of David M. Goldman was founded by lawyers who have been clients in the past. As a result, our services, fees, and business objectives are centered around the client's perspective.

We believe that communication is the key to successful business relationships and will strive to be available to meet your needs in a timely manner. We have AV-rated lawyers who are rated among the best in the country by Martindale and Lawyers.com. Likewise, we are looking for long-term relationships with our employees. If you are looking for more than a job, we would like to welcome you to our family.