Trust and Estate Attorney

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New York.

📋 Description

• Independently develop sophisticated estate plans for ultra-high net worth clients possessing assets over $40 million, which includes drafting wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.

• Lead succession planning initiatives to ensure the seamless transfer of assets, continuity of family businesses, and minimization of estate taxes through innovative strategies, emphasizing federal estate tax planning.

• Independently create and implement advanced estate tax planning instruments, such as sales to Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs), Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs), Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs), and various Charitable Trusts (e.g., Charitable Lead Annuity Trusts or Charitable Remainder Trusts).

• Design and execute asset protection trusts for out-of-state assets to safeguard client wealth.

• Provide expert advice on tax-efficient gifting, intergenerational wealth transfer, and asset protection, incorporating elder law considerations such as long-term care and Medicaid eligibility when applicable.

• Conduct thorough reviews of client financial portfolios to pinpoint tax-saving opportunities and mitigate risks associated with high-value estates.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including financial advisors and accountants, to create customized strategies that align with clients’ personal and family goals.

• Oversee probate administration and trust management for complex estates, resolving disputes amicably or through litigation as necessary.

• Stay informed about changes in federal and state estate tax laws, providing proactive and knowledgeable guidance to clients regarding regulatory developments.

• Mentor junior team members and contribute to firm-wide knowledge-sharing through internal training and client education initiatives.

• Maintain meticulous documentation and uphold the highest ethical standards in all client interactions.

⛳️ Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and active bar admission in any U.S. state.

• At least 10 years of experience as a T&E attorney at a large law firm, demonstrating a successful track record with ultra-high net worth clients (assets over $40 million).

• Significant experience in independently drafting and executing sales to IDGTs, GRATs, QPRTs, Charitable Trusts, and out-of-state asset protection trusts, with a solid history of implementing these strategies in previous roles.

• Comprehensive understanding of federal estate tax planning, including exemptions, portability, and state-specific nuances; experience specific to New York is not required.

• Proven ability to excel in a remote work setting, with strong organizational and time-management skills to maintain standard business hours (approximately 40 hours per week for full-time, or flexible hours for part-time).

• Preference for experienced or senior attorneys looking to transition from high-intensity large firms to focus on lifestyle, family, or personal interests.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts clearly and empathetically to clients and their families.

• Proficiency in legal research tools, document drafting software, and virtual collaboration platforms.

• Strong commitment to ethical practice, client confidentiality, and a client-centered approach grounded in empathy and long-term relationship building.

🏝️ Benefits

• Generous performance-based bonuses linked to client retention and successful estate planning outcomes.

• Work-life balance.

• Ultimate flexibility with remote work options.

• Professional fulfillment.