Trusts and Estates Attorney

A law firm seeks an experienced Trusts and Estates Attorney to join a well-established team in Norfolk, Virginia. This attorney will be responsible for advising clients on estate planning, asset protection, probate, and trust administration. The ideal candidate will work closely with individuals and families to ensure the smooth transition of assets upon death, handling complex matters such as tax-efficient planning, closely held businesses, charitable giving, and navigating family dynamics. The attorney will draft essential documents and offer legal counsel to support clients in managing their estates effectively.

Duties

• Estate Planning

  • Draft and review key estate planning documents such as wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and other necessary legal instruments.
  • Customize estate plans to meet specific client needs, including asset protection, family governance, and charitable contributions.
  • Advise clients on tax strategies, including minimizing estate taxes, avoiding probate, and ensuring proper asset distribution.

• Trust Administration

  • Guide clients through the administration of trusts, helping them fulfill trustee duties, manage trust assets, and distribute assets to beneficiaries in compliance with trust terms.
  • Assist in the preparation of trust accountings, tax filings, and other related documents.
  • Provide counsel to trustees regarding fiduciary duties and regulatory compliance.

• Probate Matters

  • Represent clients in probate proceedings, including the appointment of personal representatives and facilitating the probate process in line with state laws.
  • Prepare and file necessary legal documents with probate courts and Commissioner of Accounts’ offices.
  • Handle estate disputes, including contested wills and claims of fiduciary breach.

• Charitable Giving

  • Provide advice on charitable planning, including drafting charitable trusts, bequests, and foundations.
  • Help clients maximize the tax benefits of charitable contributions while ensuring IRS compliance.

• Litigation Support

  • Assist with or handle litigation related to trusts and estates, including disputes over wills, trust validity, and fiduciary duties.
  • Represent clients in estate administration disputes, including actions against executors, trustees, or beneficiaries.

• Research and Legal Updates

  • Stay current with changes in estate planning laws, regulations, and trends, including state-specific probate laws and federal tax policies.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the Virginia State Bar.
• At least 3 years of experience in trusts and estates law, including estate planning, trust administration, probate law, or related fields.
• Preferred experience with complex estate planning strategies, such as business succession planning, tax-efficient solutions, and charitable giving.
• Knowledge of estate and trust litigation practices.
• Strong familiarity with trust and estate law, tax codes, probate procedures, and asset protection techniques.
• Proficient in legal research, utilizing tools like Westlaw and trust administration platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex legal concepts to clients.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a client-focused, solutions-oriented mindset.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Admission to the Virginia State Bar.

Skills

• Expertise in drafting estate planning documents and navigating trust administration.
• Strong understanding of tax-efficient estate planning and strategies to minimize estate taxes.
• Proficiency in handling probate proceedings and estate litigation.
• Ability to work with clients and other professionals (accountants, financial advisors, etc.) in complex family and financial matters.
• Empathy and discretion when dealing with sensitive situations.
• Excellent research, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong litigation skills for managing contested estate matters.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) with matching