Estate Planning & Probate Attorney

We are seeking an Estate Planning & Probate Associate to join our growing practice, serving individuals and families in Washington and Idaho with comprehensive, practical estate planning and post death administration services. This role focuses on foundational and tax-aware estate planning, including revocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and Washington estate tax-sensitive planning for middle and class families. You will also handle probate and trust administration for non-taxable and moderately complex estates. You will work collaboratively within our estate planning team and serve as a trusted advisor to clients assigned to you.

This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who enjoys client interaction, values precision, and wants to build deep expertise in estate planning and administration within a collaborative team environment.

What You’ll Do

• Design and implement comprehensive estate plans for individuals and families
• Draft revocable trusts, wills, community property agreements, and powers of attorney
• Implement credit shelter and tax-sensitive planning under supervision when appropriate
• Conduct client design and signing meetings
• Deliver practical, plain-language guidance to clients

Probate & Trust Administration Responsibilities

• Manage probate matters in Washington and Idaho from initiation through closing
• Guide personal representatives through court procedures and fiduciary duties
• Assist trustees with ongoing trust administration
• Prepare inventories, notices, and required court filings
• Coordinate with CPAs regarding:
  • Final individual income tax returns
  • Fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041)
  • Washington estate tax returns (when applicable, in coordination with senior attorneys)
• Maintain organized timelines and ensure statutory compliance
• Communicate regularly with beneficiaries and fiduciaries
• Collaborate with senior attorneys on more complex tax-driven planning or taxable estates
• Work closely with paralegals to ensure efficient file progression
• Follow and improve firm systems and workflows
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement through regular meetings within the Estate Planning and Probate Team

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school
• Licensed and in good standing in Washington
• 2+ years of estate planning experience
  • OR Tax LLM with at least 1 year of estate planning experience
• Experience conducting client meetings independently
• Experience drafting wills, trusts, and durable powers of attorney
• Experience handling probate matters from start to finish
• Ability to manage files efficiently and meet production expectations

Preferred But Not Required

• Experience with Washington estate tax planning
• Familiarity with credit shelter trust structures
• Licensed in Idaho

How Success Is Measured

• Living our core values
• Delivering clear, practical estate planning guidance
• Producing high-quality work efficiently
• Efficiently managing probate and trust administration files
• Building trusted client relationships
• Collaborating effectively within the practice group
• Demonstrating steady growth in technical and advisory skills
• Converting excellent client service into measurable economic value for the firm

Some attorneys grow into advanced tax planning roles. Others become exceptional client advisors in foundational planning. We are committed to placing attorneys where their strengths and passions align best.

• Salary range: $85,000 – $120,000 (depending on experience and licensure)
• Transparent bonus program based on production
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• CLE and professional development support
• Bar dues and licensing fees covered

This Role Is a Great Fit If You:

• Enjoy helping everyday families plan wisely
• Are comfortable guiding clients during emotionally difficult seasons
• Communicate complex topics in plain language
• Appreciate structure, systems, and accountability
• Want to grow in estate planning within a supportive team

This Role May Not Be the Right Fit If You:

• Resist feedback, collaboration, or structured processes
• Are unwilling to pursue excellence and continuous improvement
• Struggle with deadlines or file management

Our Values

We are committed to helping good people do great things.

Our core values guide everything we do:

• We do the right thing
• We serve others
• We are passionate
• We solve problems
• We have a bias for action
• We communicate intentionally
• We are constantly improving

If those values resonate with you, we would love to connect.

We support our attorneys so they can make a meaningful impact.