Tax & Estate Planning Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Tax & Estate Planning Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL

Direct Counsel is seeking a midlevel Tax & Estate Planning Associate Attorney with 4–5 years of experience to join a well-respected national law firm’s Tax & Estate Planning practice in its Chicago office. The ideal candidate will have strong law firm tax experience or relevant Big Four accounting experience, with a particular focus on the tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions and finance transactions.

This is an opportunity to work closely with experienced partners and sophisticated clients in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment while taking on meaningful responsibility and client-facing opportunities.

Position Overview

The Tax & Estate Planning Associate Attorney will focus on transactional tax matters, with an emphasis on the income tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions and finance transactions. The attorney will work closely with partners and clients to provide sophisticated, practical tax advice and support complex transactions.

The successful candidate will bring strong academic credentials, excellent analytical skills, and relevant tax experience developed in a law firm or Big Four accounting environment.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on federal and state tax considerations related to mergers and acquisitions

• Analyze income tax issues arising in M&A transactions and finance matters

• Assist with structuring transactions to address tax considerations and achieve client objectives

• Conduct tax research and analyze complex statutory, regulatory, and transactional issues

• Draft and review tax-related provisions in transaction documents and financing agreements

• Assist with tax due diligence in connection with mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions

• Work closely with partners, clients, and other advisors to develop practical, business-oriented tax solutions

• Communicate directly with clients and participate in client-facing activities

• Manage multiple matters and deadlines while producing high-quality work product

• Participate in business development and other practice group initiatives as appropriate

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school

• 4–5 years of relevant tax experience at a law firm or 4–5 years of M&A-related experience at a Big Four accounting firm

• Experience with the income tax aspects of M&A and finance transactions preferred

• Strong academic background

• Admission to the Illinois State Bar, or actively taking steps to become admitted in Illinois

• Excellent legal research, analytical, writing, and communication skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle sophisticated transactional matters

• Strong client-service orientation and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with partners and other professionals

• Interest in developing meaningful client relationships and participating in business development activities

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $285,000–$320,000 annual base salary.

The firm offers a competitive total rewards package that may include:

• Discretionary annual bonus program

• Traditional pre-tax and Roth 401(k) options

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options

• Firm-paid life and disability benefits

• Paid vacation, holidays, sick time, and personal days

• Professional development, training, mentoring, and performance feedback

• Hybrid work model

• Family-friendly policies

• Pre-tax commuter benefits

• Backup childcare and eldercare resources

• Employee Assistance Program

• Fitness center discounts and additional employee programs

Work Arrangement

Hybrid: Three days per week in the Chicago office and two days remote.

Location

Chicago, IL