Trusts and Estates Senior Associate/Counsel

A law firm in Los Angeles, CA, is seeking an experienced and highly qualified Trusts and Estates Senior Associate/Counsel. The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience with high net worth estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, and drafting of wills and trust agreements. This role requires a strong background in post-mortem trust and estate settlement matters, including federal transfer taxes and California probate administration. The successful candidate will work closely with trustees, executors, beneficiaries, financial institutions, and other involved parties to provide expert guidance on tax reporting, administration, and disposition of estate assets in accordance with the governing estate plan documents, relevant laws, and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide counsel and representation in high net worth estate and tax planning.
• Administer estates and trusts, including drafting and reviewing estate planning documents such as wills and trust agreements.
• Handle post-mortem trust and estate settlement matters, including federal transfer taxes and California probate administration.
• Collaborate with trustees, executors, beneficiaries, financial institutions, and other involved parties to manage tax reporting, administration, and disposition of estate assets.
• Conduct thorough legal research and provide strategic legal advice to clients.
• Draft, review, and analyze complex legal documents with precision and accuracy.
• Manage multiple projects and people to ensure timely and effective completion.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry trends.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through effective communication and excellent client service.

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in high net worth estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, and drafting of wills and trust agreements.
• Strong background in post-mortem trust and estate settlement matters, including federal transfer taxes and California probate administration.
• Large or mid-size law firm experience preferred.
• Admission to the CA Bar is required.

Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Superior academic credentials.

Skills:

• Excellent writing and analytical skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and people.
• Exceptional verbal and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Proficiency in legal research tools and technology.
• Strong client service orientation and ability to build lasting client relationships.

The Los Angeles office of this full-service firm emphasizes in its practice Entertainment, New Media, Media Content, and E-Commerce, although they also have all of the traditional Corporate, Real Estate, Bankruptcy and other areas of practice. The Entertainment practice, in particular, is one the firm has traditionally been identified with and is one of the largest in the nation. The firms client base is both international in scope and diverse in nature. With very few exceptions, the firms attorneys have very distinguished academic and professional records; associates claim the firms most attractive quality is its stimulating intellectual environment.