Wealth Planning Attorney

Northwestern Mutual•Remote-California, CA

4d•$176,000 - $276,000

About The Position

This client-facing role is part of a dynamic, growing team that designs and delivers comprehensive estate and business plans, thought leadership, planning education, and targeted consultation for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients with complex planning needs. The Senior Director will provide sophisticated case consultation and strategic guidance, quickly pivot across a broad range of advanced planning topics, and evaluate legal documents and planning structures to deliver clear, practical insights. Leveraging deep estate and business planning expertise, discretion, and sound professional judgment, this attorney will help advisors and clients align planning strategies with client goals, evaluate options, and identify actionable next steps. The role requires exceptional estate and business planning acumen, executive presence, strong communication and influence skills, and superior writing and organizational capabilities.

Requirements

JD from an accredited program.
Minimum of 10 years of estate and business planning experience, preferably in a consulting role with clients and/or financial advisors.
Extensive experience working directly with high-net-worth clients in advanced estate and business planning, as well as tax planning.
Deep knowledge and expertise in planning areas including tax optimization, estate and business succession, and wealth transfer strategies.
FINRA Series 6 or 7 as well as state insurance license within the first 6 months of hire.
Strong analytical capabilities, disciplined follow-through, sound prioritization, and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with other professionals.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex planning concepts into clear, client-friendly, and actionable guidance.
Proven ability to build trust and credibility with financial advisors while contributing as a collaborative, solutions-oriented member of the team.
Demonstrated executive presence and ability to influence advisors, clients, and stakeholders through credibility, clarity, sound judgment, and practical planning recommendations.
Highly skilled in the Microsoft suite, specifically including PowerPoint, and experienced using planning software, workflow tools, research platforms, and AI-enabled tools to support analysis, education, and efficient delivery of planning guidance.

Nice To Haves

Additional advanced degree or designations preferred, such as CFP, CPA, or LL.M.
A desire to mentor others is a plus.

Responsibilities

Active collaboration with other professionals on the team (attorneys, CFPs, CPAs) and top wealth management advisors to create comprehensive plans, deliver thought leadership, planning education, and targeted consultation for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, with emphasis on estate planning, wealth transfer, business succession, tax mitigation, and executive compensation strategies.
Assess each client’s financial circumstances, objectives, and planning priorities to identify opportunities, develop targeted strategies, frame practical recommendations, and support confident decision making.
Evaluate and position planning solutions in a manner that reflects Northwestern Mutual’s integrated approach to investments and life insurance.
Lead advisor and client presentations with executive presence, credibility, and the ability to influence, educate, and enable informed planning decisions.
Engage effectively with clients’ outside legal and tax advisors to promote alignment, clarity, and coordinated execution of planning objectives.
Quickly assess and respond to a broad range of advanced planning questions, exercising discretion and sound professional judgment to address nuanced client and advisor needs.
Manage workflow and deliver high-quality analyses and consultation in accordance with established service level expectations.
Build and leverage cross-functional relationships to address complex client circumstances in the high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth marketplace and support seamless delivery of planning guidance.