Estate Planning Attorney

Job Overview
A rapidly growing family and elder law firm is seeking an experienced Estate Planning Attorney to join its Charleston, SC office. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in estate law and will be responsible for managing estates, trusts, wills, and elder law cases in the Charleston/Lowcountry area. This is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with a team of seasoned elder law attorneys in a dynamic, client-focused environment. The position offers opportunities for professional growth and involvement in complex and meaningful legal matters.

Location
Charleston, SC

Duties

• Meet with potential clients to discuss legal services, provide advice, and guide them through appropriate actions
• Draft legal documents, conduct legal research, and organize meetings with clients to establish their future plans
• Prioritize customer needs to ensure top-level service, maintaining regular communication with clients
• Collaborate with the Client Experience team to ensure smooth and efficient client interactions
• Develop creative legal solutions tailored to clients' situations, ensuring personalized and effective planning
• Track and report billable time for hourly rate and flat fee cases promptly
• Travel to various office locations as necessary to meet client and business needs
• Collaborate with fellow attorneys to improve practice and case management

Requirements

• At least 5-7 years of experience specializing in estate law, with a proven ability to manage independent tasks
• Active South Carolina law license (North Carolina license preferred)
• CELA (Certified Elder Law Attorney) certification is a plus
• Strong teamwork skills and a commitment to supporting colleagues and clients
• Exceptional attention to detail and a willingness to go the extra mile for client satisfaction
• Excellent communication skills, with an emphasis on sensitivity and professionalism
• Experience in estate planning, trust/estate administration, Medicaid planning, and long-term care benefits
• Litigation experience, particularly in guardianship and estate litigation, is a plus
• Proficiency in tracking and billing time accurately for legal services
• Strong work ethic, self-starter, and the ability to manage a caseload independently
• Strong negotiation and communication skills

Education

• J.D. (Juris Doctor) degree

Certifications

• South Carolina Bar License (North Carolina Bar License preferred)
• CELA (Certified Elder Law Attorney) certification is desirable

Skills

• Strong knowledge of estate planning, trusts, and estate administration
• Negotiation skills, especially in sensitive matters
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently
• Effective problem-solving skills tailored to client needs
• Proficiency in legal software and time tracking systems

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with matching contributions
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Bonus opportunities
• Retirement plan

With offices throughout North Carolina, this firm serves clients in all family law areas, including adoption, divorce, child support, etc. Developing creative and cost-effective solutions enables the firm to meet clients' expectations in a timely manner. The team of attorneys has over eight decades of combined experience and includes a board-certified family law specialist, a family financial mediator, and a licensed superior court mediator.