About the Firm:
Cole Schotz is a well-established law firm with a strong reputation in private client services estate planning and tax law. Our clients include high-net-worth individuals family offices closely held businesses and fiduciaries. We offer a collaborative environment direct client contact and significant responsibility early in your career.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a mid-level associate (36 years of experience) to join our Tax Trusts & Estates practice. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in estate planning estate and trust administration and transfer tax law along with a desire to deepen their experience in complex multigenerational wealth planning.
Responsibilities:
- Design and implement estate plans tailored to clients financial and personal goals.
- Draft and review sophisticated estate planning documents including GRATs SLATs ILITs QTIPs and charitable trusts.
- Handle complex trust and estate administration including probate fiduciary duties and asset transfers.
- Advise clients on estate gift GST and income tax strategies including lifetime giving business succession and charitable planning.
- Prepare and/or supervise the preparation of federal and state estate gift and fiduciary income tax returns (Forms ).
- Coordinate with clients accountants financial advisors and other professionals to ensure cohesive planning.
- Conduct legal research and stay current on changes in relevant tax and estate laws.
- Participate in client meetings and manage day-to-day client communications with professionalism and efficiency.
- Assist with training and mentoring junior associates and paralegals as needed.
Qualifications:
- J.D. from an accredited law school and active member of the State Bar.
- 3-6 years of relevant experience in a law firm or boutique trusts and estates practice.
- LL.M. in Taxation or CPA background preferred.
- Strong working knowledge of federal estate gift and income tax law.
- Excellent drafting organizational and client communication skills.
- Detail-oriented proactive and capable of managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Familiarity with estate planning and tax software (e.g. GEMS WealthCounsel HotDocs) is a plus.
- LL.M preferred in Taxation or Estate Planning.
- Bar admission in one or more states in which the Firm has an office and where the candidate desires to be resident is required.
- Strong academic credentials excellent oral and written communication skills required.
- We offer an excellent compensation package and comprehensive benefits program.