Closing Date: 30th November, 2027
Description:
Nutter McClennen & Fish is seeking a mid to senior-level associate to join our growing Private Client Group in Orinda, California. The group advises individuals, families, fiduciaries and closely held business owners on estate planning, wealth transfer, trust and estate administration, and related disputes. The ideal candidate has a minimum of 5–8 years of experience in estate planning and estate and trust administration, and knowledge of the relevant state and federal income and estate tax laws. The candidate will take ownership of a diverse client workload and help build the practice for the long term. This is a role for someone who wants early client contact and to help the practice grow.Responsibilities:
- Counsel clients on estate and trust and wealth transfer tax planning, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, health care directives, and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies.
- Advise on California-specific issues, including change in ownership property tax issues, community property, and trust funding.
- Manage trust and estate administrations from start to finish, including notices, tax filings and distributions, and handle California probate proceedings.
- Draft and review complex documents, from trust instruments and funding memoranda to petitions and correspondence.
- Coordinate with firm colleagues in tax, real estate, corporate, and litigation to deliver integrated advice.
- Lead client meetings and maintain strong relationships with clients, CPAs, financial advisors and other professional referral sources.
- Participate in business development: speaking engagements, community involvement, and pitch support.
- Supervise paralegals and mentor junior attorneys as the group grows.
Required Qualifications:
- J.D. from an accredited law school, with excellent academic credentials.
- Minimum of 5–8 years of experience in estate planning and estate and trust administration.
- Knowledge of the relevant state and federal income and wealth transfer tax laws.
- Extensive technical experience, including drafting complex estate plans and preparing estate and gift tax returns.
- Excellent client service, writing and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage matters independently and meet billable targets.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Admission to the State Bar of California.
- LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning, or State Bar of California certified specialist status in estate planning, trust and probate law.
- Experience with high-net-worth clients, closely held business succession, charitable planning and related planning.
- An established network of East Bay professional referral sources.
Salary:
$235 - $265K
