Associate Attorney Estate Planning & Elder Law

A law firm seeks a dedicated and compassionate Associate Attorney to join its Estate Planning & Elder Law practice in Watchung, NJ. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in estate and elder law, bringing expertise in areas such as planning, administration, guardianship, Medicaid, and litigation. This role offers a meaningful career opportunity with the potential for growth and advancement in an environment that values professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to helping clients navigate complex life situations, such as death, crisis management, and family advocacy. The firm seeks an associate who is ready to handle client relationships while supporting its mission of providing peace of mind to families.

Duties

• Estate Planning

  • Draft planning documents, including Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Directives, and beneficiary designations.
  • Advise clients on tax implications, Medicaid concerns, and complex asset protection strategies (e.g., family partnerships, irrevocable trusts).
  • Supervise signing ceremonies and ensure client documents are executed accurately.

• Estate and Trust Administration

  • Assist fiduciaries with the administration process and preparation of fiduciary accounts.
  • Advise clients on beneficiary relations, asset distribution, and the filing of Estate and Inheritance Tax Returns.
  • Collaborate with financial institutions and other professionals to ensure smooth administration and distribution.

• Medicaid and Advocacy

  • Advise clients on Medicaid spend-down strategies and assist with applications through the County Board of Social Services.
  • Represent clients in fair hearings and advocate for elderly individuals in institutional or home care settings.

• Litigation

  • Engage in litigation related to will and trust contests, guardianships, conservatorships, and other estate and elder law matters.

• Client Engagement and Firm Growth

  • Cultivate long-term client relationships, leveraging personal connections to initiate client engagements.
  • Participate in networking events, county bar association activities, and CLE programs to strengthen legal knowledge and expand professional opportunities.

Requirements

• Experience

  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in estate planning, elder law, or related fields.
  • Experience managing estate administration, Medicaid applications, and elder law litigation is strongly preferred.

• Skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and delegate tasks effectively.
  • Experience with legal software, particularly Microsoft Office Suite and case management systems such as CLIO.
  • Ability to provide empathetic client service and anticipate both client and firm needs.

• Work Ethic

  • Ability to work 40+ hours a week, with a commitment to going the extra mile as needed to meet client and firm demands.
  • Self-motivated, with strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to case management.

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Additional licensure or education (e.g., LLM, MBA, or CPA) is a plus but not required.

Certifications

• Licensed and in good standing with the New Jersey State Bar.

Skills

• Proficient in legal research, drafting documents, and preparing pleadings.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop client relationships and facilitate long-term referrals.
• Ability to adapt to new legal software and technology to streamline case management and enhance efficiency.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including medical, dental, life insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Health Savings Account (HSA) available after 90 days.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal days.
• Wellness benefits include access to an in-house Exercise Room and Relaxation/Meditation Room.
• A private shower is available for staff members wishing to exercise on-site.
• Retirement plan options to support long-term financial planning.