Senior Attorney

Fischer Harbage•New York, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Trust and Estates attorney who enjoys advising individuals and families on a range of estate planning needs, solving complex planning challenges, and collaborating with a highly engaged team. The role includes comprehensive estate planning for individuals and families, as well as more sophisticated matters for high-net-worth clients. The ideal candidate will have the experience and judgement to independently manage estate planning matters while mentoring junior attorneys. A strong tax background and experience designing and implementing sophisticated estate and wealth transfer strategies, including SLATs, GRATs, IDGTs, ILITs, family entities, charitable planning, and federal and state gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning, are valued but not required.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school
Admission to practice in New York and good standing with the bar
At least 4 years of substantial experience handling sophisticated estate planning matters
Strong knowledge of federal and New York gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning
Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex client matters from initial consultation through drafting, execution, and implementation
Excellent drafting, analytical, research, issue spotting, and client counseling skills

Nice To Haves

Admission to practice in New Jersey or Connecticut is a plus
An LL.M in Taxation or substantial advanced tax planning experience is a plus
A genuine interest in sophisticated estate and tax planning
Strong technical knowledge, analytical ability, and professional judgement
Exceptional client counseling skills and the ability to explain complicated legal and tax concepts clearly and practically
A collaborative leadership style and genuine interest in mentoring other attorneys
A proactive, organized, and detail-oriented approach to managing matters and deadlines
The ability to navigate sensitive family, financial, and interpersonal dynamics with confidence, discretion, and compassion
An interest in contributing to the continued growth, development, and reputation of the firm

Responsibilities

Advise clients on sophisticated estate and wealth transfer strategies involving trusts, business entities, and other planning structures designed to preserve wealth, minimize taxation, and accomplish clients' personal and family objectives
Design and implement complex estate plans involving federal and state gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax considerations
Draft and review advanced estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, family limited partnerships, limited liability company agreements, and related instruments
Counsel clients regarding charitable giving, business succession, asset protection considerations, and cross-border or multi-jurisdictional planning matters
Independently manage probate and administration proceedings, including the preparation and filing of petitions and supporting documents with the Surrogate's Court
Analyze existing estate plans and recommend appropriate modifications based on changes in clients' families, finances, residency, business interests, or applicable law
Collaborate with accountants, financial advisors, insurance professionals, valuation experts, corporate trustees, and attorneys in other jurisdictions to implement comprehensive planning strategies
Mentor junior attorneys, review work product, and provide substantive guidance and professional development
Help refine the firm's drafting standards, internal systems, workflows, knowledge resources, and best practices
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and professional referral sources
Stay current on developments in federal and state trust, estate, tax, and related laws