Estate Planning Associate Attorney (3+ years experience)

MESSERLI KRAMER P.A.•St. Michael, MN

2d•$95,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Messerli Kramer is seeking an experienced, 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 matters, including wills, trusts, probate avoidance, asset protection, business succession, and tax-efficient wealth transfer. The position is based in the firm's St. Michael, Minnesota office and offers a hybrid remote schedule. The role involves meeting with clients, developing tailored estate plans, drafting and reviewing estate planning documents, advising on tax considerations, and managing probate and estate administration matters. The attorney will work with clients and their professional advisors, maintain case documentation, keep current on relevant law, and participate in business development and community activities. The base compensation range is $95,000–$120,000, depending on experience. Associate Attorneys may also qualify for monthly source and annual discretionary bonus incentives based on performance. The position operates in a professional, fast-paced office environment and may require additional hours to complete work.

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 transitions.
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 law.
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 through final distribution.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and 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.
Hybrid remote schedule.
Monthly source and annual discretionary bonus incentives based on performance.