Senior Associate Attorney - Estate Planning / Drafting

Senior Associate Attorney - Estate Planning / Drafting

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Associate Attorney - Estate Planning / Drafting to join a growing Private Client and Tax practice in Connecticut. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with substantial estate planning drafting experience who enjoys the technical and strategic aspects of wealth preservation, trust planning, and tax-efficient wealth transfer.

The successful candidate will prepare sophisticated estate planning documents for high-net-worth individuals and families, supporting comprehensive planning strategies involving taxable estates, trusts, asset transfers, and estate administration. Working closely with attorneys, financial advisors, and clients, the attorney will contribute to high-quality legal work while helping develop an expanding, internationally connected private client practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft and prepare comprehensive estate planning documents for high-net-worth individuals and families.
• Prepare wills, including tax-planned structures, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and advanced wealth transfer planning documents.
• Draft powers of attorney, healthcare directives, deeds, funding schedules, assignments, and other ancillary documents.
• Customize estate planning documents using client intake information, attorney guidance, and established firm templates.
• Prepare complete estate planning packages and ensure consistency, accuracy, and technical quality across all documents.
• Review estate structures, asset ownership, titling, and tax considerations to support clients' planning objectives.
• Collaborate with attorneys, financial advisors, and clients to implement comprehensive estate planning strategies.
• Incorporate revisions and feedback efficiently while meeting deadlines and maintaining high drafting standards.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to obtain required information and ensure matters progress smoothly.
• Support junior drafters and paralegals by providing guidance on templates and drafting standards where appropriate.
• Use estate planning software and document management systems to prepare, organize, and maintain legal documents.
• Maintain accurate document management, version control, and file integrity.
• Contribute to improving drafting templates, precedents, and internal workflows.
• Stay current with developments in estate planning, trust administration, and relevant legal and tax considerations.
• Assist with trust administration and estate settlement matters as needed.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements in Connecticut and New York.

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Connecticut or New York State Bar, with a willingness to obtain admission in the other jurisdiction.
• Minimum of 6+ years of experience drafting estate planning documents in a law firm or specialized legal environment.
• Strong knowledge of estate planning, trust and estate administration, and tax planning for high-net-worth individuals and families.
• Demonstrated experience drafting wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and related estate planning documents.
• Familiarity with advanced wealth transfer strategies, taxable estates, trust structures, and asset titling considerations.
• Strong understanding of relevant estate planning and tax principles.
• LL.M. in Taxation preferred but not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal and tax concepts clearly.
• Strong analytical, drafting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while appropriately escalating complex issues.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple matters, incorporate feedback, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset, adaptability, responsiveness, and a strong commitment to client service.

Why Join Us:

• Work on sophisticated estate planning matters for high-net-worth individuals and families.
• Develop expertise in advanced trust planning, wealth preservation, and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies.
• Join an expanding private client practice with opportunities to contribute to its growth and development.
• Collaborate with experienced attorneys, financial advisors, and professionals on complex planning matters.
• Take ownership of substantive drafting work while receiving guidance on strategic and technical issues.
• Help improve internal drafting standards, precedents, and workflows.
• Gain exposure to an internationally connected legal environment and cross-border private client matters.
• Benefit from professional development, increased responsibility, and long-term career growth.
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement, subject to role requirements and manager approval.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements, subject to business needs and manager approval.
• Professional development and continuing legal education opportunities.
• Collaborative work environment with experienced legal professionals.
• Opportunities to contribute to the growth of an expanding private client and tax practice.
• Long-term career development and advancement opportunities.