Senior Attorney - Trusts & Estates

Legal Drafting, Review & Advocacy

• Draft and review wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and related estate planning documents, tax analysis and compliance.
• Prepare and supervise probate petitions, trust administration pleadings, fiduciary accountings, objections, and settlement agreements.
• Draft and review persuasive briefs, declarations, and supporting filings in contested probate and trust litigation matters.
• Represent clients in probate court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and trust or estate trials.
• Prepare and review federal gift and estate tax returns, including Forms 706 and 709, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Case Strategy, Oversight & Workload Management

• Manage a diverse trusts and estates caseload, including estate planning, probate, trust administration, and fiduciary disputes.
• Develop case strategies and timelines, identifying legal, financial, and tax issues impacting asset distribution, fiduciary duties, and beneficiary rights.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of paralegals and support staff by assigning tasks, setting priorities, monitoring workloads, and ensuring timely completion.
• Review staff work product for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to firm standards.
• Track deadlines, filings, notices, and court requirements to ensure full compliance with statutory and procedural rules.

Client Counseling & Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, advising on estate planning strategies, probate and trust administration processes, and dispute resolution options.
• Communicate complex legal and tax concepts in a clear, practical, and client-focused manner.
• Review and interpret asset inventories, fiduciary accountings, tax documents, and financial records in coordination with staff.
• Maintain professional, compassionate communication with clients, beneficiaries, trustees, and personal representatives, particularly in emotionally sensitive matters.

Legal Research, Financial Analysis & Guidance

• Conduct and oversee legal research on trusts and estates statutes, tax regulations, case law, and local probate court procedures.
• Analyze financial data including asset valuations, trust accountings, estate expenses, and tax filings.
• Identify tax implications and coordinate with accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals as needed.
• Prepare and review legal memoranda and strategic recommendations to guide case direction and client decision-making.

Court Appearances, Negotiation & Resolution

• Appear in probate court for petitions, accountings, contested hearings, and trials.
• Lead and participate in settlement negotiations and mediations involving trust and estate disputes.
• Present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, and argue motions in contested matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate settlement agreements, stipulations, and court orders resolving probate and trust issues.

Leadership, Mentorship & Professional Development

• Provide mentorship, training, and ongoing feedback to Associates and staff to support skill development and professional growth.
• Participate in at least eight (8) professional or business development activities (4 of which can be attendance) annually (beyond mandatory MCLE).
• Demonstrate leadership in promoting a positive workplace culture aligned with firm values.

Performance & Productivity Requirements

• Meet or exceed annual billable hour requirements.
• Consistent billing realization 95% or higher.
• Consistent collections realization of 90% or higher.
• Contribute to firm growth through annual origination of at least $500,000 in new business.