Estate Planning Associate (3+ years experience)

MESSERLI KRAMER P.A. • Minneapolis, MN

just now • $95,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for an Associate to join our firm to help support our seasoned Estate Planning Attorneys. We are seeking an experienced and client-focused Estate Planning Attorney to join our growing legal team. The ideal candidate will advise individuals, families, and business owners on a wide range of estate planning matters, including wills, trusts, probate avoidance strategies, asset protection, business succession planning, and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies. This position requires strong legal drafting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the applicable jurisdiction.
• 3+ years of experience practicing estate planning, trust and estate administration, or a related area of law 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 in a clear and practical manner.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating 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 is a plus.
• 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 estate planning documents, including 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 regarding estate and trust administration.
• Collaborate with financial advisors, accountants, insurance professionals, and other advisors to implement client objectives.
• Conduct legal research and remain current on changes in 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 initial intake meeting to final distribution of the estate.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• HSA & FSA Accounts
• Employer Contribution to HSA if enrolled in High-Deductible Health Insurance plan.
• 401K, with 4% company contribution (after completion of 1 year of service)
• Paid time off
• Paid company holidays
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual Marketing & Business Development budget
• Bar license and CLE reimbursements
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Gym reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level