Trusts & Estates Associate Attorney

Description: We are seeking a Associate to Mid level Trust and Estates attorney who enjoys advising individuals and families on a range of estate planning needs, solving complex planning challenges, and collaborating with a highly engaged team. The role includes comprehensive estate planning for individuals and families, as well as more sophisticated matters for high-net-worth clients. The ideal candidate will have the experience and judgement to independently manage estate planning matters. A strong tax background and experience designing and implementing sophisticated estate and wealth transfer strategies, including SLATs, GRATs, IDGTs, ILITs, family entities, charitable planning, and federal and state gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning, are valued but not required. We offer a collaborative environment that prioritizes high-quality legal work over billable hour targets, with no billable hour requirements or time tracking.You WillAdvise clients on sophisticated estate and wealth transfer strategies involving trusts, business entities, and other planning structures designed to preserve wealth, minimize taxation, and accomplish clients' personal and family objectivesDesign and implement complex estate plans involving federal and state gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax considerationsDraft and review advanced estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, family limited partnerships, limited liability company agreements, and related instrumentsCounsel clients regarding charitable giving, business succession, asset protection considerations, and cross-border or multi-jurisdictional planning mattersIndependently manage probate and administration proceedings, including the preparation and filing of petitions and supporting documents with the Surrogate's CourtAnalyze existing estate plans and recommend appropriate modifications based on changes in clients' families, finances, residency, business interests, or applicable lawCollaborate with accountants, financial advisors, insurance professionals, valuation experts, corporate trustees, and attorneys in other jurisdictions to implement comprehensive planning strategiesHelp refine the firm's drafting standards, internal systems, workflows, knowledge resources, and best practicesBuild and maintain strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and professional referral sourcesStay current on developments in federal and state trust, estate, tax, and related lawsRequirementsJ.D. from an accredited law schoolAdmission to practice in New York and good standing with the barAt least 3-5 years of substantial experience handling sophisticated estate planning mattersKnowledge of federal and New York gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax planningDemonstrated ability to independently manage complex client matters from initial consultation through drafting, execution, and implementationExcellent drafting, analytical, research, issue spotting, and client counseling skillsAdmission to practice in new Jersey or Connecticut is a plusWhat we're looking forA genuine interest in sophisticated estate and tax planningStrong technical knowledge, analytical ability, and professional judgementExceptional client counseling skills and the ability to explain complicated legal and tax concepts clearly and practicallyA collaborative leadership style and genuine interest in mentoring other attorneysA proactive, organized, and detail-oriented approach to managing matters and deadlinesThe ability to navigate sensitive family, financial, and interpersonal dynamics with confidence, discretion, and compassionAn interest in contributing to the continued growth, development, and reputation of the firmBenefits$150,000–$225,000 Salary based on experience401(k) with employer matchHealth insuranceShort- and long-term disability insuranceProfessional duesCLEsLicensing and malpractice coverageBirthday holidayOne (1) paid volunteer day each monthSummer FridaysGenerous PTO and holidaysPerformance-based bonusesHybrid work schedule