Trusts and Estates Associate Attorney

A law firm in Winston-Salem, NC, is seeking a Trusts and Estates Associate Attorney with 3-6 years of experience in estate planning and estate administration. The ideal candidate will possess experience in drafting estate planning documents and probate forms and will support a sophisticated practice serving ultra-high-net-worth clients. Preference will be given to candidates with specific experience in drafting irrevocable trusts, investment partnerships (LLCs), and advanced transfer strategies. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential. The candidate must be licensed in North Carolina and/or South Carolina. An LLM in estate planning or tax is preferred but not required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft and review estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
• Prepare and file probate forms and accountings required by the probate court.
• Provide legal advice on complex estate planning strategies, tax planning, and asset protection for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
• Develop and implement advanced wealth transfer strategies, such as irrevocable trusts, family limited partnerships (LLCs), and grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs).
• Manage and oversee estate administration processes, including probate filings, asset valuations, and distributions.
• Advise clients on trust administration, fiduciary duties, and compliance with legal requirements.
• Collaborate with financial advisors, accountants, and other professionals to deliver comprehensive estate planning solutions.
• Stay updated on developments in estate, tax, and probate law to ensure compliance and best practices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients by providing tailored and high-quality legal services.
• Participate in client meetings, strategy sessions, and professional presentations.

Requirements:

• 3-6 years of experience in estate planning and/or estate administration.
• Proven experience in drafting estate planning documents and probate forms, including court-required accountings.
• Preference for candidates with experience in drafting irrevocable trusts, investment partnerships (LLCs), and advanced transfer strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple client matters efficiently.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional client service and maintaining long-term client relationships.

Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the North Carolina and/or South Carolina State Bar.
• LLM in estate planning or tax preferred but not required.

Skills:

• Expertise in drafting and reviewing complex estate planning documents and probate forms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with legal research tools, drafting software, and relevant technologies.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Robust mental health and wellness programs.
• Benefits for child, family, elder, and pet care.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.
• Long-term care insurance.
• 401K retirement plan with firm contributions.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and personal days.
• Support for continuing legal education and professional development.

This rapidly growing firm has some serious chops with regards to the energy and natural resources, financial, insurance, manufacturing, real estate, retail, transportation, life sciences, communications, and health care sectors. Given the firm?s growth status, this firm promises multiple opportunities for associates to catch a wave and get in on the ground floor of something big.