Associate Attorney-Probate, Guardianship, & Estate Planning

Job Description

Location: Montpelier, Vermont (Hybrid-Remote)  

Availability Requirement: Must be available to start full-time employment immediately

About the Firm  

We are a boutique estate planning firm in central Vermont, widely recognized for our specialized work in estate planning and special needs planning.  

We are expanding our practice and seeking a motivated Associate Attorney ready to take ownership of active court cases, build strong procedural skills, and grow into a long-term pillar of our firm. 

Position Overview: The Opportunity  

Are you looking for a role where your work directly shapes client outcomes from day one? Unlike traditional entry-level positions where you are hidden away in a back room reviewing documents, this role puts you at the center of the action. Our most immediate, dynamic, and pressing need is within our active court docket. 

Probate and guardianship cases are an important part of our work. They offer a highly rewarding environment where you will master procedural strategy. Our court cases focus on non-contested administration and guardianship matters.  

Above all, this position carries a profound human element, serving as a lifeline for people who suddenly find themselves in deep need of legal and personal guidance. In our probate cases, you will work closely with clients who have lost a loved one and now must navigate the complications of a court system at a time when it is incredibly difficult for them. In our guardianship cases, the work is equally impactful: you will actively protect and support vulnerable individuals or represent family members pursuing guardianship to ensure an adult in need receives the proper care, advocacy, and framework to thrive. Serving as their steady guide through these transitions requires a unique blend of sharp procedural intellect and genuine empathy. Furthermore, handling these cases makes us better estate planning attorneys, as they show us what is at stake and highlight the critical importance of a properly executed estate plan. 

For experienced lateral hires (3 to 5 years): You will have immediate professional autonomy to take the reins of our court docket, serve as a vital anchor for our guardianship and estate administrative matters, and handle fluid, as-needed legal tasks for the practice. 

For new law school graduates(2026 and prior): You will not be tossed into court files alone right away. You will initially join the principal attorney as co-counsel, learning the ropes through direct, hands-on mentorship.

Built for Professional Growth: As you master our court systems, administrative procedures, and software workflows, this position is intentionally structured to grow directly with estate planning clients. You will progressively transition into our core transactional practice—conducting intakes, drafting documents, and managing client matters from inception to final execution. 

Qualifications  

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• J.D. from an accredited law school and active admission (or pending Bar Exam results) in good standing with the Vermont Bar. 
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• A strong, demonstrable interest or experience in probate administration, guardianship matters, and estate planning. 
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• Demonstrated proficiency with legal technology. 
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• Very strong analytic skills are essential for developing and executing effective case strategies. 
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• Great writing skills with a proven ability to produce clean, precise, and well-structured legal documents. 
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• Strong organizational skills, proven in case management environments, to keep high-volume dockets running efficiently. 
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• Excellent interpersonal skills with an empathetic approach to client care. 
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