Estate and Trusts Attorney

Job Summary

The Estate and Trusts attorney will research, plan, implement, and draft trust and estate documents in a team environment to provide high-quality service and products to clients.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• NONE

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with clients, paralegals, and attorneys to research and implement estate plans for families.
• Draft legal documents, including the following: outgoing correspondence for client's review and signature, estate planning documents (e.g., trust funding letters, financial Powers of Attorney, healthcare Powers of Attorney, funeral Powers of Attorney, deeds, etc.),estate administration documents (e.g., small estate affidavits, list of heirs, affidavits of notice regarding an estate, correspondence to Commissioner of Accounts, etc.), and trusts (e.g., special needs trusts, family trusts, etc.),
• Create, organize, and maintain files for estate documents and trust administration matters according to the firm’s established procedures,
• Enter and track status of estate and trust administration matters and deadlines in the firm’s case management software (Clio Manage), and
• Prepare and review gift and estate tax returns.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to speak and write accurately and clearly with concise detail.
• Knowledge of federal and local laws and rules governing estate, gift, and income taxation of trusts and estates.
• Understanding of legal language and principles relating to estate planning and estate and trust administration.
• Must be able to interact professionally with clients, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Must be exceptionally attentive to detail.
• Must have excellent time management skills with a proven ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and, at times, stressful environment, particularly around holidays, end of the year, beginning of the year, and tax season.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to exercise discretion and good judgment.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), as well as the ability to learn Clio management software.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a willingness to produce individual work, as well as work with a team.
• Trust accounting knowledge is preferred but not required.

Education and Experience:

• J.D. required.
• At least (3) years’ experience drafting estate documents including wills, POAs, and trusts and implementing estate plans.
• Some financial, accounting, or business background is a plus, but not required.

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: $95,000 - $125,000 per year depending on experience

Benefits

• 401(k) matching after one year
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Up to 160 hours paid time off
• Parental leave
• Bereavement leave
• Free onsite parking

Experience

• Estate and trusts: 3+ years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Admittance to Virginia Bar Association (Required)
• Admittance to Washington, D.C. Bar Association and/or Maryland Bar Association (Preferred but not required)