Description:
Description:Estate Planning Associate Attorney
Location: St. Michael, MN office
Position Details:
WE ARE GROWING! We are looking for an Associate to join our firm to help support our seasoned Estate Planning Attorneys. We are seeking an experienced and client-focused Estate Planning Attorney to join our growing legal team. The ideal candidate will advise individuals, families, and business owners on a wide range of estate planning matters, including wills, trusts, probate avoidance strategies, asset protection, business succession planning, and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies. This position requires strong legal drafting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients.
Requirements:
Essential Functions and Duties:
- Meet with clients to assess estate planning needs and develop customized estate plans.
- Draft and review estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and related documents.
- Advise clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax considerations.
- Develop asset protection and wealth preservation strategies.
- Assist business owners with succession planning and ownership transition matters.
- Counsel fiduciaries, trustees, personal representatives, and beneficiaries regarding estate and trust administration.
- Collaborate with financial advisors, accountants, insurance professionals, and other advisors to implement client objectives.
- Conduct legal research and remain current on changes in estate planning, tax, trust, and probate laws.
- Maintain accurate case files and documentation in accordance with firm policies.
- Participate in business development, networking, community involvement, and client relationship-building activities.
- Manage probate and estate administration matters from initial intake meeting to final distribution of the estate.
Education and Licensure:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the applicable jurisdiction.
Experience:
- 3+ years of experience practicing estate planning, trust and estate administration, or a related area of law preferred.
- Experience drafting sophisticated estate planning documents and advising high-net-worth individuals is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of estate planning, trust administration, probate, and tax planning principles.
- Excellent legal writing, drafting, and analytical skills.
- Strong interpersonal and client counseling abilities.
- Ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and practical manner.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and staff.
- Proficiency with legal research tools and document management systems.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with advanced estate planning techniques, including irrevocable trusts, charitable planning, special needs trusts, and business succession planning.
- Existing referral relationships or demonstrated business development experience.
- LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning (preferred but not required).
Base compensation will vary based on level of experience. Associate compensation range $95,000-$120,000. Associate Attorneys are also eligible for monthly source and annual discretionary bonus incentives based on performance.
