Estate Planning Associate Attorney (3+ years experience)

Messerli & Kramer • St. Michael, MN

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Messerli Kramer is seeking a client-focused Estate Planning Associate Attorney to support its seasoned estate planning attorneys as the firm grows. The attorney will advise individuals, families, and business owners on estate planning, including wills, trusts, probate avoidance, asset protection, business succession, and tax-efficient wealth transfer. The role requires strong drafting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build trusted client relationships. The position is based at the firm's St. Michael, Minnesota office and offers a hybrid remote schedule.

The attorney will meet with clients, create customized estate plans, draft and review estate planning documents, advise on tax considerations, develop asset protection strategies, assist with business succession matters, counsel fiduciaries and beneficiaries, and manage probate and estate administration matters through final distribution. The attorney will also collaborate with outside advisors, conduct legal research, maintain case files, and participate in business development and community activities.

Base compensation varies by experience, with a stated range of $95,000–$120,000. Associate Attorneys may also receive monthly source and annual discretionary bonus incentives based on performance.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the applicable jurisdiction.
• Three or more years of experience practicing estate planning, trust and estate administration, or a related area of law is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of estate planning, trust administration, probate, and tax planning principles.
• Excellent legal writing, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal and client counseling abilities.
• Ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and practically.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with attorneys and staff.
• Proficiency with legal research tools and document management systems.

Nice To Haves

• Experience drafting sophisticated estate planning documents and advising high-net-worth individuals.
• Experience with advanced estate planning techniques, including irrevocable trusts, charitable planning, special needs trusts, and business succession planning.
• Existing referral relationships or demonstrated business development experience.
• LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning; preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to assess estate planning needs and develop customized estate plans.
• Draft and review wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and related documents.
• Advise clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax considerations.
• Develop asset protection and wealth preservation strategies.
• Assist business owners with succession planning and ownership transition matters.
• Counsel fiduciaries, trustees, personal representatives, and beneficiaries on estate and trust administration.
• Collaborate with financial advisors, accountants, insurance professionals, and other advisors to implement client objectives.
• Conduct legal research and stay current on estate planning, tax, trust, and probate laws.
• Maintain accurate case files and documentation in accordance with firm policies.
• Participate in business development, networking, community involvement, and client relationship-building activities.
• Manage probate and estate administration matters from the initial intake meeting through final distribution.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• HSA and FSA accounts
• Employer HSA contribution for employees enrolled in a high-deductible health insurance plan
• 401(k) with a 4% company contribution after one year of service
• Paid time off
• Paid company holidays
• Company-paid basic life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual marketing and business development budget
• Bar license and CLE reimbursements
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Gym reimbursement
• Monthly source and annual discretionary bonus incentives based on performance

What This Job Offers

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