Trusts + Estates Associate
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.
Responsibilities
- Develop comprehensive estate plans tailored to clients' specific needs and goals
- Advises 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
- Handles the probate process, including court proceedings, asset valuation, debt settlement, and distribution of assets
- Manages and administers 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
- Able 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
- Able 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
About WNJ
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd builds a better partnership with its clients. Warner is a full-service corporate law firm with 230+ attorneys practicing in nine offices throughout Michigan: Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb, Midland and Muskegon. To learn more, visit www.wnj.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn or Facebook.
About Our Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
- Firm-provided life insurance and disability coverage
- Firm 401(k) with employer contribution or match depending on plan design
- Remote work flexibility
- Wellness program
- Employee assistance program
- Professional development opportunities
About Our Culture
- Teamwork – Warner’s lockstep compensation model encourages teamwork and distinguishes us from our competitors
- Diversity – At Warner, we take an “all in” approach to DEI – engaging people at all levels of the firm to lead and participate on DEI committees and initiatives
- Careers – Our culture of balanced personal and professional lifestyle allows us to maintain a 94% attorney retention rate
- Community – Warner’s time-honored community engagement initiatives include financial contributions to 150+ nonprofits, scholarships and paid time off for all firm members to engage in community initiatives that are meaningful to them
Closing Statement
Warner hires top talent at every point in our organization. We are seeking dedicated professionals with diverse backgrounds who strive to support the firm and its goals. Our collegial culture attracts people with diverse skills and backgrounds who are dedicated to teamwork and client service.