Trusts & Estates Principal Associate

Trusts & Estates Principal Associate

About the Role:

A growing and highly respected law firm is seeking an accomplished Trusts & Estates Principal to play a leadership role within its Private Client Services practice. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced attorney who combines sophisticated estate planning expertise with strong client relationship skills and a strategic approach to practice development.

As a Principal you will serve as a trusted advisor to high-net-worth individuals multi-generational families business owners family offices fiduciaries and charitable organizations. You will lead complex estate and tax planning engagements advise clients on wealth preservation and succession strategies oversee trust and estate administration matters and contribute to the continued growth and success of the practice.

This role offers significant autonomy direct client ownership leadership opportunities and the ability to help shape the future direction of a thriving trusts and estates practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and implementation of sophisticated estate gift and wealth transfer planning strategies for high-net-worth individuals and families.
• Advise clients on trust structures asset protection planning tax minimization strategies charitable giving and legacy planning.
• Draft and oversee the preparation of complex estate planning documents including wills trusts powers of attorney healthcare directives family entity structures and related agreements.
• Counsel business owners on succession planning ownership transfers and long-term continuity strategies.
• Oversee trust and estate administration matters including probate proceedings fiduciary guidance and asset distributions.
• Advise clients on federal state and local tax implications affecting estate and wealth planning.
• Represent clients in probate court and other trust and estate-related proceedings when necessary.
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships through exceptional service strategic counsel and proactive planning.
• Collaborate with accountants financial advisors wealth managers family office professionals and other advisors to provide comprehensive solutions.
• Mentor and develop junior attorneys and legal professionals within the practice.
• Participate in business development client relationship expansion and strategic growth initiatives.
• Stay current on developments in estate planning trust administration tax law and wealth preservation strategies.

Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in Ohio.
• 8 years of experience in trusts and estates estate planning trust administration probate and tax-related matters.
• Significant experience advising high-net-worth individuals families fiduciaries and business owners.
• Deep understanding of estate gift generation-skipping transfer fiduciary income and related tax matters.
• Strong experience with sophisticated wealth transfer and asset protection strategies.
• Excellent drafting negotiation analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex client matters independently.
• Strong client relationship management and business development capabilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of professionalism leadership ability and sound judgment.
• Accounting tax CPA LL.M. in Taxation or related experience is highly valued.

Why Join Us:

• Work directly with sophisticated clients on complex estate planning tax and wealth preservation matters.
• Build meaningful long-term client relationships while serving as a trusted advisor to individuals families and business owners.
• Handle a broad range of challenging and rewarding private client matters with significant responsibility and autonomy.
• Collaborate with an experienced team of attorneys and professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional client service.
• Gain exposure to advanced estate planning tax strategies business succession planning and asset protection structures.
• Enjoy a collegial and supportive environment that encourages professional growth mentorship and leadership development.
• Play an integral role in the continued growth and success of a highly regarded trusts and estates practice.
• Benefit from a culture that values collaboration client service integrity and professional excellence.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Performance-based compensation opportunities.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Retirement savings opportunities.
• Professional development and continuing legal education support.
• Mentorship and leadership development opportunities.
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment.
• Long-term career advancement and partnership potential.