Estate Planning Attorney

Harwood Lloyd, LLP•Hackensack, NJ

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

Harwood Lloyd, LLP, a New York and New Jersey law firm, is seeking a full-time Estate Planning Attorney to join its Wills, Trusts & Estates Department. The firm provides private client services, complex trust and estate planning, asset protection, and tax strategies for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and multigenerational families. The attorney will provide sophisticated, personalized estate-planning services, including wealth-transfer planning, complex trust structures, estate and gift tax optimization, and business succession planning tailored to New Jersey and New York law. The role includes substantial client-facing responsibility, direct interaction with family offices and financial advisors, and opportunities for professional and leadership growth. This is a hybrid, Monday–Friday position with a schedule of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; court appearances are required.

Requirements

Active license to practice law in both New Jersey and New York, or dual-admitted status pending.
5 to 10+ years of dedicated practice in high-net-worth or ultra-high-net-worth estate planning, wealth transfer, and tax law within a reputable firm or boutique private wealth practice.
Juris Doctor (J.D.).
Mastery of complex trust drafting, New Jersey and New York state-specific tax laws, and probate and fiduciary court practice.
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the polish, empathy, and confidentiality required to work with high-net-worth clients.
Ability to manage complex matters independently and foster strong, long-term client and advisor relationships.
Availability for a full-time Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. hybrid schedule; court appearances are required.

Nice To Haves

LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning is strongly preferred.
Portable client practice, considered in determining compensation.

Responsibilities

Structure, draft, and implement comprehensive estate plans for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, including revocable and irrevocable trusts and dynasty trusts.
Advise on state and federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes, with attention to New Jersey and New York tax implications and clawback rules.
Assist business owners and executives with buy-sell agreements, entity restructuring, family limited partnerships and LLCs, and succession strategies.
Oversee complex probate proceedings in New York Surrogate's Court and New Jersey Superior Court (Probate Part).
Handle ongoing trust administration and provide fiduciary advice.
Advise on residency, domicile, and multijurisdictional issues for clients with property or ties in New Jersey and New York.
Collaborate with wealth managers, CPAs, family office directors, and insurance professionals to implement holistic client wealth plans.
Manage complex matters independently and build long-term relationships with clients and advisors.