Trusts & Estates Planning Senior Associate / Counsel
Midtown Manhattan | Full-Time | Hybrid Considered
A well-established, mid-size regional law firm is seeking a seasoned Trusts & Estates attorney to join its sophisticated Estate Planning practice in Midtown Manhattan. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner to step into a high-visibility role with a collegial team, a strong book of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, and a clear path for long-term growth.
About the Role
The Senior Associate / Counsel will work directly with partners and clients on complex estate planning matters for federally taxable estates, typically in excess of $15 million. The successful candidate will take a lead role in designing and implementing sophisticated wealth transfer strategies, drafting complex trust and estate planning instruments, and advising clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement advanced estate planning strategies for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, including Credit Shelter Trusts, GRATs, SLATs, IDGTs, QPRTs, ILITs, and dynasty trusts
- Draft wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and related estate planning documents
- Prepare and review Federal (Form 706) and New York State estate tax returns, as well as gift tax returns (Form 709)
- Advise clients on estate, gift, and GST tax planning, including lifetime gifting strategies, valuation discounts, and intra-family transactions
- Counsel fiduciaries on trust and estate administration matters
- Collaborate with partners, accountants, financial advisors, and other outside professionals on integrated wealth planning
- Mentor and supervise junior associates and paralegals
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school; admission to the New York State Bar in good standing
- Minimum of 4-6 years of substantive Trusts & Estates experience at a reputable law firm, with a focus on sophisticated estate planning
- Demonstrated knowledge of advanced estate planning techniques (Credit Shelter Trusts, GRATs, SLATs, and similar vehicles) for federally taxable estates
- Hands-on experience preparing Federal and New York State estate tax returns
- Strong technical drafting skills and a clear grasp of estate, gift, and GST tax concepts
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain complex planning concepts to clients
- LL.M. in Taxation a plus, but not required
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range of approximately $175,000 - $230,000, commensurate with experience, with flexibility for exceptionally qualified candidates. The total compensation package also includes performance, discretionary, and production/origination bonuses, in addition to a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and CLE/bar dues reimbursement).
