Senior Estate Planning Attorney

Senior Estate Planning Attorney

A prominent law firm in Portland, OR, is seeking a Senior Estate Planning Attorney. The firm focuses on delivering exceptional legal services in family law and estate planning, providing clients with the support and guidance they need in challenging and complex life situations. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead and mentor within a collaborative team environment while managing sophisticated estate planning and probate matters.

Job Overview

The Senior Estate Planning Attorney will manage and oversee complex estate planning, tax planning, and probate administration cases. This individual will provide strategic leadership and mentorship to junior attorneys while working closely with clients and external professionals such as CPAs and financial advisors to ensure comprehensive legal solutions.

Duties

• Oversee case strategy and execution with a team of associate attorneys, paralegals, and support staff.
• Manage complex estate and tax planning matters, including drafting estate planning documents (wills, trusts) and filing gift tax returns.
• Oversee probate and trust administration, handling the full administration process and preparing estate tax returns (federal and state).
• Conduct legal research on complex tax issues.
• Maintain regular communication with clients and external advisors (CPAs, financial advisors, beneficiaries, and other legal counsel).
• Provide mentorship and leadership to junior attorneys.
• Participate in business development and networking functions.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in estate planning law, with demonstrated expertise in complex estate and tax planning.
• Active membership in the Oregon State Bar (Washington State Bar membership is a plus).
• Ability to manage a significant caseload independently.
• Strong communication skills with a focus on client service.
• Experience in preparing and filing estate and gift tax returns.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and legal research tools.
• Experience working with Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), financial advisors, and other external professionals.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• LLM in Tax Planning is highly desirable but not required.

Certifications

• Active Oregon State Bar membership.
• Washington State Bar membership is a plus.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail with a high standard for accuracy.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information discreetly.
• Leadership skills with experience mentoring and supervising staff.

Job Location

• Portland, OR

Founded in 1982, the firm is dedicated to serving its clients in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho in matters relating to family law, estate planning, juvenile law, and collaborative law. It is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and also has an office in Vancouver, Washington. Super Lawyers recognized 18 of the firm's attorneys as Oregon Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in 2016.