Description:

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Trusts & Estates Attorney to independently lead the substantive legal work of our New Jersey Trusts & Estates practice.

This is a senior-level position for an accomplished attorney with at least 10 years of substantial Trusts & Estates experience, including significant New Jersey-specific experience. The successful candidate must possess the legal expertise, sound judgment, and independence necessary to oversee the practice's legal matters without requiring ongoing substantive supervision.

Extensive hands-on New Jersey probate and estate administration experience is essential. We are looking for an attorney who can independently handle probate proceedings from inception through completion, including complex matters requiring significant legal judgment.

Key ResponsibilitiesTrusts & Estates / Probate

Serve as the primary attorney responsible for the substantive legal work of the firm's New Jersey Trusts & Estates practice.
Independently evaluate client matters, develop legal strategies, and provide comprehensive legal advice concerning New Jersey estate and trust law.
Handle New Jersey probate and estate administration proceedings from initial consultation through final estate settlement and distribution.
Prepare and oversee probate applications, administration petitions, fiduciary appointments, estate accountings, and related filings with New Jersey Surrogate's Courts and other courts, as appropriate.
Draft, review, and advise clients on wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and other estate planning instruments.
Advise executors, administrators, trustees, beneficiaries, and other fiduciaries regarding their legal rights, responsibilities, and obligations.
Address complex legal issues involving estate administration, trust interpretation, creditor claims, beneficiary disputes, fiduciary duties, and contested estate matters.
Provide guidance on estate and inheritance tax considerations, asset protection, and wealth preservation strategies.
Advise on elder law matters, including Medicaid planning and long-term care planning, where appropriate.
Independently identify legal issues, anticipate potential complications, and develop effective strategies for resolution.

Substantive Legal Leadership

Assume primary responsibility for the legal quality, accuracy, and substantive direction of the firm's New Jersey Trusts & Estates matters.
Independently determine appropriate legal strategies and oversee matters through resolution.
Provide substantive legal supervision, guidance, and review of work performed by paralegals and legal support staff.
Establish consistent legal standards and best practices for estate planning, probate, and estate administration matters.
Ensure that all legal work complies with applicable New Jersey laws, court rules, and professional obligations.
Collaborate with firm leadership on significant legal issues and the continued development of the Trusts & Estates practice.

Cross-Practice Collaboration

Work closely with the firm's established New York-based VCF practice on matters involving deceased claimants, probate, and estate administration.
Provide New Jersey probate and estate administration guidance to VCF attorneys, Claim Managers, and support staff.
Assist with obtaining appropriate fiduciary appointments and resolving estate-related issues affecting VCF claims.
Coordinate with the VCF team to facilitate the efficient handling of claims involving deceased individuals and their estates.

Prior VCF experience is not required.
Required Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active New Jersey Bar admission and good standing.
Minimum 10 years of substantial Trusts & Estates practice experience, including significant New Jersey-specific experience.
Extensive hands-on experience independently handling New Jersey probate and estate administration matters from inception through completion.
Demonstrated ability to independently direct and oversee the substantive legal work of a New Jersey Trusts & Estates practice without requiring ongoing supervision from another Trusts & Estates attorney.
Comprehensive knowledge of New Jersey probate procedures, estate planning, estate administration, trust law, and fiduciary obligations.
Strong legal drafting, analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent client counseling and interpersonal communication skills, particularly when advising individuals and families on sensitive matters.
Ability to exercise sound professional judgment, take ownership of legal matters, and independently resolve complex issues.
Experience providing substantive guidance to paralegals or other legal professionals.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Proficiency with modern legal practice management systems, cloud-based platforms, and electronic document workflows.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with sophisticated estate planning, irrevocable trusts, estate and inheritance taxation, and wealth preservation strategies.
Substantial experience with New Jersey elder law, Medicaid planning, special needs trusts, and long-term care planning.
Experience handling contested probate proceedings, fiduciary disputes, and estate litigation.
Experience serving as a senior attorney or principal legal resource within a Trusts & Estates practice.
Familiarity with legal case management systems.

The ideal candidate:
We are looking for an attorney who combines substantial technical expertise with professional maturity, independent judgment, and a strong sense of responsibility.

The ideal candidate:

Can independently run the legal side of a New Jersey Trusts & Estates practice, rather than simply handling assigned matters under another attorney's direction.
Has extensive practical probate and estate administration experience, not merely estate planning or document-drafting experience.
Is confident in making substantive legal decisions while recognizing when collaboration or consultation is appropriate.
Takes ownership of matters from initial evaluation through resolution and maintains high standards of legal work.
Is proactive in identifying potential legal issues and developing practical, effective solutions.
Can provide knowledgeable guidance to paralegals and support staff without requiring extensive oversight.
Communicates clearly and compassionately with clients and families, particularly during difficult or emotionally sensitive circumstances.
Values collaboration with attorneys and non-attorney professionals across different practice areas.
Is comfortable working in a technology-driven, primarily paperless legal environment.
Is interested in contributing to the long-term success and development of the firm's New Jersey Trusts & Estates practice.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a résumé and a brief cover letter outlining their relevant New Jersey Trusts & Estates experience.

Applicants are particularly encouraged to highlight:

Their experience independently handling New Jersey probate and estate administration matters.
Their experience serving as the principal attorney or substantive legal lead for Trusts & Estates matters.
Their ability to independently evaluate complex legal issues, develop strategies, and oversee matters through resolution.

Pitta & Baione LLP is proud to represent the 9/11 community and is committed to exceptional advocacy, careful case development, and compassionate service to those we serve.