Senior Estate Planning Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an accomplished Senior Estate Planning Attorney to support sophisticated estate matters in San Jose, California. This position focuses on guiding complex trust and probate administrations while developing tailored planning strategies for high-net-worth individuals and families. The attorney in this role will manage tax-related filings, fiduciary accounting review, and the legal structuring needed to carry out effective wealth transfer plans.

Responsibilities:
• Lead trust and probate administration matters from court filings and early case assessment through closing and final transfer of assets.
• Oversee the appraisal and categorization of estate holdings, while directing the preparation of legal documents needed for marshaling and distribution.
• Prepare and review estate, gift, and related tax filings to support compliance and effective transfer planning.
• Analyze and finalize fiduciary accountings to ensure accurate reporting for estates and trusts under administration.
• Design customized estate planning strategies for individuals and families with complex asset profiles and unique succession goals.
• Establish and structure trust-based entities that align with client objectives, tax considerations, and long-term asset protection needs.
• Advise on property tax matters connected to estate and trust holdings, including administrative filings and related compliance obligations.
• Collaborate with clients, fiduciaries, accountants, and other advisors to move matters forward efficiently and resolve issues as they arise.• Active license to practice law and strong experience working as an attorney in estate planning and estate administration.
• Demonstrated background handling advanced probate and trust administration matters with minimal supervision.
• Experience preparing or reviewing estate tax returns, gift tax returns, and fiduciary accountings.
• Knowledge of trust formation, wealth transfer structures, and customized planning for high-net-worth clients.
• Familiarity with property tax filings and administrative tax issues affecting estate and trust assets.
• Ability to draft persuasive legal documents and provide clear written analysis in complex matters.
• Solid litigation-related skills, including motion drafting, briefing, and discovery, are valuable for contested estate matters.