Description:

About the role:
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Estate Planning, Probate, Trust & Guardianship Associate Attorney to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is a skilled legal writer, drafter, and legal counselor with sound judgment, strong initiative, and a prepared, proactive, professional approach to the practice of law. The ideal candidate can independently manage a caseload from inception through final resolution, communicate effectively with clients and third parties, and collaborate closely with attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff in a fast-paced environment.

A minimum of 5 years of substantive, hands-on experience in Estate Planning, Probate, Trust, and Guardianship Administration is required, along with strong legal research, writing, analytical, and drafting skills. Candidates must have demonstrated experience independently managing matters in these practice areas and be prepared to assume responsibility for an active caseload from day one.

This is a long-term career opportunity within a collaborative firm, offering meaningful pathways for career advancement, increased responsibility and autonomy, client development, and leadership, including future partnership considerations based on performance, professional growth, business generation, and a demonstrated commitment to the firm and its values. We expect an Associate Attorney to bring a high degree of independence, accountability, and ownership to the role from the outset.

Responsibilities (Include, but are not limited to):

Independently manage a diverse caseload of Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration, and Guardianship from initial consultation through final resolution
Meet with clients to gather information, assess goals, and design and recommend appropriate estate planning, asset protection, and Medicaid/Special Needs strategies and planning
Draft, review, and revise wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, deeds, and related estate planning documents
Prepare and file petitions, inventories, accountings, and other pleadings for formal and summary probate administration, and guide personal representatives through the process
Handle trust administration matters, including funding, accountings, distributions, trustee succession, and communications with beneficiaries
Prepare and file guardianship petitions, including guardian advocate and emergency temporary guardianship matters, and guide guardians through their fiduciary duties and annual reporting obligations
Advise clients on Medicaid and public benefits planning, including eligibility strategies and coordination with elder law and special needs planning
Communicate proactively and professionally with clients, fiduciaries, beneficiaries, financial advisors, accountants, tax professionals, care managers, and other third parties regarding case status, strategy, and next steps
Maintain ownership of statutory and court deadlines and prepare and e-file documents through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal in compliance with procedural requirements and firm calendaring protocols.
Collaborate effectively with attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff; delegate assignments as needed, provide clear direction, and review work product while retaining ultimate responsibility for assigned matters
Assess when litigation or appellate involvement may be needed and coordinate with the firm's litigation attorneys and team accordingly
Maintain complete, accurate, and contemporaneous timekeeping records, meeting the firm's minimum annual requirement of 1,600 billable hours and 200 non-billable hours for a total of 1,800 hours (subject to adjustment based on workload and firm needs)
Review and edit Retainer Agreements, as appropriate; monitor retainer and escrow balances in coordination with the intake and billing teams; and communicate with clients regarding outstanding fee obligations and retainer replenishment requirements to ensure compliance with the terms of the applicable Retainer Agreement to close-out
Participate in client development, professional networking, and community involvement to support growth of the firm's Estate Planning, Probate, Trust and Guardianship practices and to build and maintain an individual book of business

Requirements:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
Active member in good standing with The Florida Bar
Demonstrated experience drafting sophisticated estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives
Experience handling formal and summary probate administration and/or trust administration matters from opening through closing
Strong organizational and case-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple matters, competing priorities, and critical deadlines independently
Sound professional judgment and the ability to take initiative, exercise appropriate independence, and proactively identify and resolve issues
Strong computer proficiency and keyboarding skills, with a minimum typing speed of 50 WPM with a high degree of accuracy
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams
Experience with legal practice-management or document-management systems, legal research platforms, and other legal technology is preferred; the firm currently uses Clio Manage and Clio Grow, NetDocuments, Adobe Acrobat and Kofax, and LexisNexis, and will provide training on firm-specific systems as needed

Schedule & Location:
Full-Time (8:30 am – 5:00 pm) | North Palm Beach, Florida 33408

A hybrid work option may be considered by management following one year of continuous service, subject to performance, demonstrated independence, and the needs of the firm at that time.