Associate Elder Law Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Associate Elder Law Attorney

Estate & Elder Law

Watchung, NJ

Join our highly experienced and tenured Managing Member and her team of professionals at our Estate and Elder Law Firm.

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The Firm is seeking experienced associate attorneys with a fire in their belly to: give clients peace of mind that if a death or dying crisis happens their wishes will be enforceable; and, advocate fiercely for the vulnerable elderly and others. Applicants must be experienced in one or more of the following various practice elements of estate and elder law: planning, administration, guardianship, Medicaid, and related litigation.  We require three or more years of direct elder law experience in order to qualify .

The position offers opportunities for a meaningful career and advancement in an environment where competence and professionalism are equally regarded along with empathy for clients and their families engaging the firm for their planning wishes, death and dying crisis management, and advocacy.

Summary of Job Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Support the managing partner with drafting planning instruments including Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, beneficiary designations, and advise on tax and Medicaid implications and complex asset protection plans including family partnerships and irrevocable trusts; supervise signing ceremonies. Associates have the opportunity for growth in the firm by initiating client engagement through their own relationships.

2. Manage estate and trust administration matters to assist fiduciaries in the administration process, preparation and submission of fiduciary accounts, advise the client on beneficiary relations and asset management/distribution, advise on Estate and Inheritance Tax Returns, interact with financial institutions, other professionals, and the Surrogate court.

3. Advise on Medicaid spend-down and applications with the County Board of Social Services; defend Medicaid clients in fair hearings; advocate for elderly clients in institutional care settings or home care settings.

4. Engage in litigation related to will and trust contests, guardianship/conservatorship and other issues related to estate and elder law.

40.0 hours/week with expectation for commitment to additional hours as the clients' and firm's needs require.

The associate attorney position is a full-time in-office position. Associates perform a wide variety of functions and supervise paralegals to support the firm's Estate & Elder Law practice. The position requires competent third-party contact, passionate advocacy, problem-solving, empathetic client contact, document, correspondence and pleading drafting, legal research and writing, accurate billable hour tracking and capability of explaining to the client the firm's engagement process and fee schedule. Interpersonal skills are required to develop a long-term client relationship and referrals. Attend CLE as required and to strengthen knowledge in the practice areas to offer innovative solutions to client issues; networking events; county bar association events and involvement.

Qualifications & Skills:

- J.D. Degree. Additional licensure or education, such as LLM, MBA, or CPA is helpful but not required.

- Three or more years of relevant work experience, estate and elder law practice preferred.

- Excellent communications skills - both oral and written.

- Attention to detail, solid organizational skills, and ability to prioritize and delegate tasks.

- Demonstrated experience with relevant firm software programs such as Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Outlook and Excel) and the firm's case management system (CLIO).

- Ability to anticipate the client's needs and the firm's needs to maintain the firm's reputation, competence and excellence.

Benefits: Paid time off. Retirement plan and health insurance available after introductory period. Wellness benefits include an in-house Exercise Room and a Relaxation Room. A private shower will be available for the firm.  A competitive salary commensurate with direct work experience