Senior Trusts & Estates Attorney

Exemption Status:

Salary Exempt

Remote Options/Office Hours:

Hybrid or On‑Site

Classification:

Attorney

Summary:

The Senior Trusts & Estates Attorney must have at least five (5) years of recent experience designing plans for high‑net‑worth clients, including designing and drafting irrevocable trusts such as Crummey trusts, intentionally defective grantor trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, charitable split‑interest trusts, and grantor retained annuity trusts, as well as experience in complex trust administration. The Senior Trusts & Estates Attorney position requires superior analytical, communication, drafting, writing, and research skills, with the ability to work both independently and as a team member. This is a very fast‑paced environment, and the Senior Trusts & Estates Attorney must be able to multitask and manage a voluminous caseload. This role requires a self‑starter who is willing and open to learning new skills as well as taking initiative and being proactive.

In addition to the above, the Senior Trusts & Estates Attorney may also be responsible for reviewing and overseeing the work product of associate attorneys, delegating assignments, mentoring, and training of associate attorneys and legal support personnel in the Trusts & Estates department.

Direct Reports:

N/A

Essential Duties and Responsibilities, Including but Not Limited To:

• Meet or exceed minimum billable hours requirement
• Design plans for high‑net‑worth clients
• Design and draft irrevocable trusts such as Crummey trusts, intentionally defective grantor trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, charitable split‑interest trusts, and grantor retained annuity trusts
• Plan for blended families, generation‑skipping transfer tax planning, international estate planning and cross‑border issues, fiduciary income tax issues, and preparation of estate tax returns and gift tax returns.
• Manage complex trust administrations
• Perform initial client intake calls and shepherd the CRM’s through engagement
• Perform legal research
• Manage and organize client files as well as keep client database and document management system up to date.

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Juris Doctorate
• Active member of California State Bar
• Expertise in Federal tax law and California state tax law required
• LL.M in Tax preferred
• Prior experience taking the lead role in client meetings
• Prior experience managing client communications and expectations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficient in MS Office Suite with an emphasis on Word, Excel and Outlook
• Solid command of English including excellent spelling, grammar, punctuation, form and style
• Organized and detail oriented
• Ability to manage a team, set goals and mentor others
• Ability to communicate clearly and work well with a team and individually