Estate Planning Probate Associate Attorney

Estate Planning & Probate Associate Attorney

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Estate Planning & Probate Associate Attorney to join a well-established Trusts and Estates practice in Seattle, Washington. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney with significant experience in estate planning, probate, and trust administration who is looking to work on sophisticated matters while collaborating with a highly respected team.

The successful candidate will advise individuals and families on comprehensive estate planning strategies, trust and probate administration, tax planning, and wealth preservation. This role offers meaningful client interaction, intellectually challenging work, and opportunities for continued professional development within a collaborative and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft and review estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and related instruments.
• Manage probate and trust administration matters from inception through completion.
• Prepare estate pleadings and administer probate proceedings.
• Identify estate assets and liabilities while coordinating with beneficiaries, creditors, and government agencies.
• Educate clients on estate planning strategies and wealth transfer options.
• Advise clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning.
• Develop and model tax-efficient lifetime gifting and estate planning strategies.
• Prepare and review federal gift tax returns and federal and state estate tax returns.
• Draft sophisticated estate planning vehicles, including GRATs, SLATs, QPRTs, CLATs, CLUTs, and generation-skipping transfer tax exempt trusts.
• Conduct legal research and analyze complex estate planning and tax issues.
• Maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clients through professional communication and exceptional client service.
• Collaborate closely with attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to provide comprehensive legal solutions.

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the State of Washington.
• Minimum of 6 years of estate planning and probate/trust administration experience.
• LL.M. in Taxation is strongly preferred.
• Experience preparing and reviewing estate and gift tax returns.
• Strong understanding of estate, gift, trust, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning.
• Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and drafting skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Self-motivated professional who works effectively both independently and collaboratively.

Why Join Us:

• Join a highly respected Trusts and Estates practice with a long-standing reputation for excellence.
• Handle sophisticated estate planning, tax planning, and probate matters.
• Work closely with experienced attorneys in a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Develop lasting client relationships while providing strategic legal counsel.
• Access ongoing professional development, training, and challenging legal work.
• Enjoy a positive, inclusive workplace that values teamwork, professional growth, and work-life balance.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications.
• Annual profit-sharing opportunities.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with profit-sharing.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Paid family leave.
• Professional development, continuing education, and training opportunities.