Tax, Trusts, and Estates Associate

Tax Trusts & Estates Associate

About the Role:

A leading international law firm is seeking a Tax Trusts & Estates Associate with at least 3 years of estate planning experience to join its growing Chicago office. This is a unique opportunity to become part of the founding team of a newly established office and play a meaningful role in the continued expansion of a highly regarded national practice.

The successful candidate will advise high-net-worth individuals families family offices and closely held businesses on sophisticated estate gift trust and tax planning matters. This role offers substantial client interaction significant responsibility and the opportunity to work closely with experienced attorneys on complex wealth transfer and succession planning strategies.

Beyond the sophisticated legal work this position offers the rare opportunity to contribute to the growth and culture of a rapidly expanding office while building a long-term practice within a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise high-net-worth individuals families family offices and business owners on estate gift and generation-skipping transfer tax planning.
• Draft and implement sophisticated estate planning documents including wills revocable trusts irrevocable trusts powers of attorney and related instruments.
• Counsel clients on wealth preservation business succession planning and asset protection strategies.
• Assist with trust and estate administration matters.
• Advise clients on charitable giving and philanthropic planning opportunities.
• Support family-owned businesses with ownership transition and succession planning.
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice areas on tax corporate real estate and business matters.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through responsive and strategic legal counsel.
• Participate in business development initiatives and client relationship activities.
• Contribute to the continued growth and success of the Chicago office and Trusts & Estates practice.

Qualifications:

• J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Minimum of 3 years of estate planning experience.
• Strong experience advising high-net-worth individuals and families on estate and tax planning matters.
• Experience drafting sophisticated estate planning and wealth transfer documents.
• Knowledge of federal estate gift and generation-skipping transfer tax principles.
• Excellent analytical drafting and communication skills.
• Strong academic credentials.
• Ability to manage multiple matters while maintaining exceptional client service.
• Strong attention to detail and sound professional judgment.
• Illinois Bar admission or eligibility to become admitted in Illinois preferred.

Why Join Us:

• Be part of the founding team of a rapidly growing Chicago office and help shape its future.
• Gain significant responsibility and client exposure earlier than is typically available in larger more established offices.
• Work directly with high-net-worth individuals family offices and business owners on sophisticated planning matters.
• Collaborate with experienced attorneys across a nationally recognized trusts estates and tax practice.
• Develop expertise in complex wealth transfer succession planning and tax strategies.
• Enjoy an entrepreneurial environment where initiative leadership and innovation are valued.
• Participate in building client relationships and expanding a growing practice.
• Benefit from mentorship professional development and long-term career advancement opportunities.
• Work within a collaborative culture that supports both professional excellence and personal growth.
• Join a platform that combines sophisticated work strong resources and exceptional growth potential.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Eligibility for the firms associate bonus program subject to applicable program requirements.
• Option to elect a reduced billable-hours track with a proportional salary adjustment.
• Potential eligibility for discretionary bonuses productivity bonuses clerkship bonuses relocation assistance and bar-related benefits where applicable.
• Comprehensive medical insurance including infertility coverage gender-affirming care behavioral health services and access to virtual healthcare providers.
• Dental and vision insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Basic and optional life insurance coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Flexible time off policy.
• Up to 15 weeks of paid parental leave with additional paid leave opportunities for eligible birth parents.
• Paid holidays and family-friendly leave programs.
• Adoption assistance program.
• Healthcare dependent care and transportation pre-tax reimbursement accounts.
• Backup child care and elder care support.
• Education and college advising resources.
• Virtual tutoring programs.
• Well-being initiatives and wellness programs.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential counseling services.
• Travel assistance program.
• Professional development mentorship training and continuing education opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment with opportunities for long-term career growth and advancement.