Elder Law Attorney

Edwards Estate & Elder Law • Watchung, NJ

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Estate & Elder Law Firm in Watchung, New Jersey, is seeking an experienced elder law attorney to support its Managing Member and professional team. The role focuses on helping clients ensure their wishes are enforceable in death or dying crises and advocating for vulnerable elderly people and others. Relevant practice areas include estate administration, contested and uncontested guardianships, crisis management, Medicaid applications, Medicaid asset protection, and related litigation.

This is a full-time, in-office position offering opportunities for a meaningful career and advancement. The attorney handles a wide variety of matters and supervises paralegals supporting the firm’s Estate & Elder Law practice. The position calls for client and third-party communication, advocacy, problem-solving, empathetic client service, drafting documents, correspondence and pleadings, legal research and writing, accurate billable-hour tracking, and explaining the firm’s engagement process and fee schedule. The attorney also develops long-term client relationships and referrals, attends required and practice-strengthening CLE, and participates in networking and county bar association events.

Requirements

• J.D. degree.
• Five or more years of direct elder law experience are required to qualify; the qualifications section describes this experience as preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail, solid organizational skills, and ability to prioritize and delegate tasks.
• Demonstrated experience with relevant firm software, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel, and the firm’s CLIO case management system.
• Ability to anticipate client and firm needs to maintain the firm’s reputation, competence, and excellence.

Nice To Haves

• Additional licensure or education, such as an LL.M., MBA, or CPA, is desired but not required.
• Experience in one or more of estate administration, contested or uncontested guardianships, crisis management, Medicaid applications, Medicaid asset protection, and related litigation.

Responsibilities

• Support the managing partner by drafting elder law service packages and advising on tax and Medicaid implications and complex asset-protection plans, including family partnerships and irrevocable trusts; supervise signing ceremonies.
• Manage estate and trust administration matters, including assisting fiduciaries, preparing and submitting fiduciary accounts, advising on beneficiary relations and asset management or distribution, advising on estate and inheritance tax returns, and communicating with financial institutions, other professionals, and the Surrogate Court.
• Advise on Medicaid spend-downs and applications with the County Board of Social Services; defend Medicaid clients in fair hearings; advocate for elderly clients in institutional-care and home-care settings.
• Handle litigation involving will and trust contests, guardianships and conservatorships, and other estate and elder law issues.
• Supervise paralegals supporting the Estate & Elder Law practice.
• Maintain competent third-party contact and empathetic client communication, and explain the firm’s engagement process and fee schedule.
• Draft documents, correspondence, and pleadings; conduct legal research and writing; track billable hours accurately.
• Develop long-term client relationships and referrals.
• Attend CLE as required and to strengthen practice-area knowledge; participate in networking and county bar association events and involvement.

Benefits

• 15 days of paid time off per calendar year and a personal holiday.
• Retirement plan.
• Health insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, available after the introductory period.
• Wellness benefits, including an in-house exercise room and relaxation room.
• Private shower available for firm employees.
• Competitive salary commensurate with direct work experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree