Private Client Associate Attorney

A law firm is currently seeking a dedicated and experienced Private Client Associate Attorney to join their team in Princeton, NJ. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in estate planning and administration, with a focus on trust agreements, wills, probate proceedings, and estate tax returns, and familiarity with elder law matters, including Medicaid planning and guardianships. Estate litigation experience is considered advantageous. The successful candidate must thrive in a collaborative and client-focused environment, demonstrating motivation and a team-oriented approach. Excellent academic credentials, exceptional written and oral communication skills, and the ability to produce high-quality work with minimal supervision are essential. Admission to the New Jersey Bar is required, and admission to the New York Bar is strongly preferred.

Job Overview:

• Provide comprehensive legal counsel and support to clients in estate planning and administration.
• Draft and review trust agreements, wills, and other estate planning documents.
• Manage probate proceedings and administer trusts.
• Prepare and file estate tax returns.
• Handle elder law matters, including Medicaid planning and guardianships.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure the delivery of exceptional client service.
• Stay informed about relevant legal developments and best practices in the field.

Duties:

• Drafting and reviewing trust agreements, wills, and other estate planning documents.
• Managing probate proceedings and administering trusts.
• Preparing and filing estate tax returns.
• Handling elder law matters, including Medicaid planning and guardianships.
• Providing comprehensive legal counsel and support to clients.
• Staying informed about relevant legal developments and best practices.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in estate planning and administration.
• Admission to the New Jersey Bar is required; admission to the New York Bar is strongly preferred.
• Experience in estate litigation is a plus.
• Strong academic credentials.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to produce high-quality work with minimal supervision.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the New Jersey Bar; admission to the New York Bar is strongly preferred.

Skills:

• Proficiency in estate planning and administration functions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with clients.
• Proficiency in legal research and writing.
• Familiarity with relevant legal software and tools.

A Vault 100 firm widely cited for its outstanding mentorship opportunities for new associates and for its prestigious clientele, associates also applaud its impressive pro-bono policies, which consider pro-bono work just as important as billable work in calculating bonuses and advancement. They also cite mobility within the firm and say that lower-level associates often work closely with partners on projects, making growth opportunities abundant to those looking for career development.