Description:
About the Position:Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our Trusts + Estates Practice Group in West Michigan. This position may be based in Holland, Grand Rapids, or Kalamazoo. The ideal candidate will have two to five years of experience in estate planning, trust and estate settlement, and related tax and corporate matters. Candidates must have excellent research, writing, and communication skills and be licensed (or willing and able to become licensed) and in good standing to practice law in the state of Michigan.
About the Opportunity:
Responsibilities:
- Develop comprehensive estate plans tailored to clients' specific needs and goals
- Advise clients regarding the tax implications of estate planning and the ability to minimize tax liabilities for clients through strategies like gift and estate tax planning
- Handle the probate process, including court proceedings, asset valuation, debt settlement, and distribution of assets
- Manage and administer trusts, ensuring they operate in compliance with applicable laws and the trust agreement
Required Qualifications:
- Strong foundation in estate planning, tax law, probate law, and trust law
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and understandable manner
- Ability to actively listen to client concerns and goals and provide practical legal advice aligned with their objectives
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess complex financial and legal situations and develop appropriate solutions
- Precision in drafting legal documents that accurately reflect client intentions and comply with applicable laws
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and professionalism
Preferred Qualifications:
- LL.M. in Taxation (or related field) is preferred but not required
- Experience advising high-net-worth individuals and families on estate planning and wealth transfer strategies
- Experience with sophisticated estate and gift tax planning techniques, including CRUTs, SLATs, GRATs, FLPs, QPRTs, IDGTs, and ILITs
- Experience with succession planning, fiduciary accounting, will and trust contests, family settlement agreements, and tax preparation
About You:
- Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school
- Licensed or willing to become licensed and in good standing to practice law in the state of Michigan
- 2-5 years of experience in estate planning, trust and estate settlement, and related tax and corporate matters, preferably in a law firm setting
- Strong interest in building a book of business
- Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed
