Estate Planning Associate Attorney

Job Overview:

A law firm in Columbus, OH, is seeking a motivated and skilled Estate Planning Associate Attorney to join its team. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience drafting estate plan documents and advanced planning tools. This role requires a candidate who is goal-oriented, eager to learn, and capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team. The successful candidate will have strong academic credentials, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of estate planning and tax laws related to wealth transfer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft and review estate planning documents, including trusts, wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and related funding documents.
• Develop comprehensive estate plans by utilizing advanced planning tools such as Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs), Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs), Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs), Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs), and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).
• Collaborate with clients to understand their needs and objectives, providing tailored estate planning solutions.
• Conduct legal research on estate planning, succession planning, and tax laws related to wealth transfer.
• Work closely with other attorneys and staff on various assignments, ensuring project timely and accurate completion.
• Manage multiple client files and projects simultaneously, maintaining exceptional attention to detail and organization.
• Communicate complex estate planning concepts to clients and advisors clearly and effectively.
• Anticipate client needs and offer forward-thinking, solutions-oriented advice.
• Represent the firm with professionalism and integrity in all interactions.

Requirements:

• 3-5 years of experience in estate planning, with a strong background in drafting relevant documents and utilizing advanced planning tools.
• Strong working knowledge of estate planning, succession planning, and tax laws related to wealth transfer.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to clients and advisors.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of maintaining a high standard of work under pressure.

Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active and in good standing with the Ohio State Bar.
• Strong academic credentials, demonstrating a solid understanding of estate planning and related legal principles.

Skills:

• Proficient in legal research and drafting estate planning documents.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with clients, offering clear and concise advice.
• Outstanding organizational skills, with a focus on attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a collegial approach to teamwork.
• Commitment to professional growth and continuous learning.

With a lineage of over a century, this law firm provides the legal expertise and resources required for successfully handling the most complex and sophisticated legal issues with the efficiency, agility, and responsiveness that are commonly associated with a local, mid-size law firm. The firm primarily deals with legal matters related to bankruptcy, business, communications, corporate, director and officer liability, employee benefits, energy, estates, green energy, healthcare, labor and employment, litigation, public utilities, real estate, tax, and trusts and probate.