Trust Counsel

Description:

A United States-Based Wealth Management Firm is a premier investment and wealth management firm with a commitment to growing and protecting wealth across generations. We offer a dynamic and collaborative approach to managing wealth for high-net-worth and ultra high-net-worth individuals and families, family offices, endowments, foundations, and institutions. Unlike other firms, our investment managers, tax and estate planning professionals work together to develop holistic strategies to optimize clients' portfolios while mitigating the impact of taxes on their wealth. As A United States-Based Wealth Management Firm, the guidance we provide is always in the best interests of our clients, without conflict or competing benefits. We offer boutique customization and deep expertise in specialized investment, tax and planning strategies alongside sophisticated technology and custody platforms.

A United States-Based Wealth Management Firm is owned by Franklin Templeton, a diversified firm that spans asset management, wealth management, and fintech, giving us many ways to help investors make progress toward their goals. With clients in over 150 countries and offices on six continents, you'll get exposed to different cultures, people, and business development happening around the world.

A United States-Based Wealth Management Firm is hiring an experienced Trust Counsel to join our San Mateo, CA office. Reporting to the RMD for Northern California, the Trust Counsel uniquely serves as a technical and legal expert and consultant, both internally and externally, on matters related to estate planning, advanced tax planning, and trust and estate administration, and also builds and facilitates relationships within our closely-knit COI community to help promote and grow our practice.

What are the ongoing responsibilities of the Trust Counsel?

• Ongoing entrepreneurial and growth mindset as an upbeat, passionate individual and team contributor responsible for generating new client opportunities to support the team's growth goals
• Active community representation of the firm in the industry and community through thought leadership, speaking engagements, advisory and BOD roles, and attendance in groups such as state, local and national Bar Associations; professional organizations (ACTEC, estate planning councils), networking groups, industry publications and conferences
• Act as a leader and SME for specific new projects and initiatives related to new business development and client retention
• Assist and participate in new business meetings in order to articulate value proposition of integrated wealth management in relation to the Trust Counsel offering
• Provide direction on opportunities and stay abreast of competitor offerings and structure; making relevant recommendations to senior management to improve competitive position
• Serve as subject matter expert (SME) in development and presentation of thought leadership on topics related to estate and trust planning, advanced tax planning, trust and estate administration and other areas within the SME's expertise and interest; may include articles, whitepapers, podcasts, webinars, media engagement and other opportunities

• Acting as a static team member, provides existing and prospective clients with a holistic review of their estate and trust plans, including recommendations on options to best achieve their wealth transfer goals
• Responsible for being client lead for some client relationships, but serves mainly as a static-core partner, leading with proactive advice and guidance as needed as clients' needs and plan structure evolve and change
• Liaise with internal team members and outside professional advisors (attorneys, CPAs, etc.) to gather all relevant information, then develop and implement any changes or additions to the clients' plans
• Identify opportunities and collaborate with market teams and other business leaders to provide clients with breadth of firm's offerings
• Serve as dedicated Wealth Planner for certain client relationships, ensuring ongoing advice and guidance as needed based on regular consultations on the clients' needs and changing circumstances
• Maintain understanding and update team and clients on evolving legal and tax changes, proactively identifying impact and potential changes for existing and prospective clients

• Provide guidance to designated Trust Officers
• Review openings and closings of trust-related accounts and documents, as appropriate for account acceptance or termination
• Consult with and oversee outside counsel, as necessary
• Address beneficiaries' and remaindermen questions and planning needs ad hoc
• Review exercises of discretion, including principal income and distributions of income
• Participate in department projects, committee meetings and initiatives, as necessary

• JD required and California Bar admission required
• Additional degree or certification preferred (LLM in Taxation, MBA, CFP, CPWA)
• 10+ years' experience as trusts and estates attorney in private practice or in-house role
• Working knowledge of generally accepted business procedures, practices and regulations
• In-depth knowledge of transfer tax planning and wealth transfer strategies
• Knowledge of state trust laws, including California, Delaware, New York and other jurisdictions
• Network of other professional advisor relationships to leverage and to collaborate with
• Experience working with entrepreneurs and business owners, preferred
• Knowledge of international estate and tax planning, preferred
• Fluency across financial planning disciplines, including cash-flow planning, insurance and risk management, income tax planning, family governance and education, and investment planning, preferred
• Ability to perform multiple tasks in a fast paced, team environment
• Ability to interact with and present to senior management and clients on a regular basis
• Experience coaching and developing team members

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