Attorney - Estate Planning

Attorney - Estate Planning & Estate Administration Position Overview We are seeking an experienced and client-focused Attorney specializing in Estate Planning and Estate Administration. The successful candidate will advise individuals and families on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related documents, draft and implement comprehensive estate plans that meet client objectives, and manage estate and probate administration matters efficiently and ethically. This role requires excellent legal drafting, client counseling, and case management skills to guide clients through planning and post-death administration processes. Key Responsibilities Consult with clients to assess estate planning goals, family dynamics, assets, and tax considerations; recommend tailored strategies including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance health care directives, and beneficiary designations. Draft, review, and execute estate planning documents such as living trusts, pour-over wills, durable powers of attorney, health care directives, and related instruments ensuring compliance with current law and best practices. Counsel clients on tax implications, asset protection, Medicaid planning, charitable giving, and succession planning for closely held businesses and family farms. Manage estate administration matters including opening probate, preparing and filing petitions, inventorying assets, handling creditor claims, preparing accountings, and distributing assets in accordance with wills or state law. Serve as executor, personal representative, or counsel to executors and trustees; coordinate with fiduciaries, financial institutions, accountants, appraisers, and other professionals to resolve estate issues. Advise and assist trustees in trust administration duties, including trust accountings, beneficiary communications, dispute resolution, and trust terminations or modifications as appropriate. Represent clients in contested probate or trust litigation, guardianship proceedings, and will/trust contests; negotiate settlements and draft necessary pleadings. Maintain detailed client files, track deadlines, and provide regular updates; ensure engagement letters, fee arrangements, and conflict checks are handled in accordance with firm policies. Stay current on changes in estate, tax, and trust law; provide training and support to junior attorneys and paralegals and contribute to client development and community outreach efforts. Qualifications Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active bar admission in the practicing state; good standing required. Minimum 3-5 years of substantive experience in estate planning and estate administration; experience with living trusts and probate preferred. Proven experience drafting wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and related estate planning documents. Practical knowledge of probate and trust administration procedures, including filings, accountings, creditor claims, and beneficiary distributions. Familiarity with estate and gift tax rules, Medicaid/elder law planning, and basic business succession considerations; experience consulting with tax advisors a plus. Strong client-facing skills, including the ability to explain complex legal concepts simply and compassionately to clients at different life stages. Excellent legal writing, drafting, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy skills; ability to manage multiple matters and meet deadlines independently. High ethical standards, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and proficiency with case management software and document automation tools. #J-18808-Ljbffr CyberCoders