Estate Planning Attorney
About The Position
An international law firm is seeking an experienced Estate Planner / Drafter to join its growing US Private Client & Tax practice in New Haven, Connecticut. The role supports attorneys in preparing and delivering bespoke estate-planning documentation for high-net-worth individuals and families, including clients with taxable estates and complex wealth-transfer and trust-planning needs. It offers the opportunity to join an expanding, internationally connected practice and work on sophisticated planning matters in a collaborative environment. The attorney will draft and prepare estate-planning documents, collaborate with attorneys, financial advisors, and clients, and support the implementation of planning strategies. The role also includes managing revisions and document workflows, contributing to templates and drafting processes, keeping current with estate-planning practices and relevant legal and tax considerations, and assisting with trust administration and estate settlement matters as needed.
Requirements
- Admitted to the Connecticut or New York State Bar, with willingness to obtain admission in the other jurisdiction.
- At least 3 years of experience drafting estate-planning documents within a law firm or specialist legal environment.
- Deep knowledge of trust and estate administration and tax planning for high-net-worth clients.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly and concisely.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work with moderate independence and escalate complex issues appropriately.
- Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Collegiality and responsiveness to feedback.
- Client-focused mindset and a track record of responsiveness and service excellence.
Nice To Haves
- LL.M. in Taxation.
Responsibilities
- Draft and prepare wills, including tax-planned structures; revocable and irrevocable trusts; advanced wealth-transfer planning documents; powers of attorney; healthcare directives; and ancillary documents such as deeds, funding schedules, and assignment documents.
- Customize documents using attorney guidance, client intake data, and established firm templates.
- Prepare complete estate-planning packages and ensure consistency across documents.
- Work with attorneys, financial advisors, and clients to support comprehensive estate-planning strategies.
- Incorporate revisions and feedback efficiently while meeting deadlines and client expectations.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders to gather information and support the progression of matters.
- Guide junior drafters or paralegals on templates and firm drafting standards where applicable.
- Use estate-planning software and firm templates to produce documents efficiently.
- Maintain organized document management, including version control and file integrity.
- Contribute to improving templates, precedents, and internal drafting processes.
- Stay current with estate-planning practices and relevant legal and tax considerations.
- Comply with relevant legal and regulatory obligations, including those of New York and Connecticut.
- Assist with trust administration and estate settlement matters as needed.
- Review and analyze estate structures, asset titling, and tax considerations to support planning objectives.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
