Trusts and Estates Associate Attorney

A law firm in Greenville, SC, is seeking a Trusts and Estates Associate Attorney with 3-6 years of experience in estate planning and estate administration. The ideal candidate will support a sophisticated practice serving ultra-high-net-worth clients and must have experience drafting estate planning documents, probate forms, and court-required accountings. Candidates with experience in drafting irrevocable trusts, investment partnerships (LLCs), and advanced wealth transfer strategies will be given preference. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, and candidates must be licensed in North Carolina and/or South Carolina.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
• Prepare probate forms and accountings required by the probate court.
• Counsel ultra-high-net-worth clients on advanced estate planning strategies, tax planning, and asset protection.
• Draft and implement complex wealth transfer strategies, including irrevocable trusts, family limited partnerships, and grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs).
• Advise clients on trust administration, fiduciary responsibilities, and compliance matters.
• Oversee all aspects of estate administration, including probate filings, asset valuation, and distributions.
• Collaborate with financial advisors, accountants, and other professionals to provide comprehensive estate planning solutions.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in estate, tax, and probate laws.
• Build and manage long-term relationships with clients through exceptional service and personalized legal guidance.
• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and strategy discussions.

Requirements:

• 3-6 years of experience primarily in estate planning and/or estate administration.
• Proven experience drafting estate planning documents and probate forms, including accountings required by probate courts.
• Strong preference for candidates with experience in drafting irrevocable trusts, investment partnerships (LLCs), and advanced transfer strategies.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly and effectively.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical abilities, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple client matters and deadlines efficiently.
• Demonstrated commitment to client service and developing trusted relationships with ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Education and Certifications:

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

Skills:

• Proficiency in drafting complex legal documents related to estate planning and administration.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical conduct.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to stay updated on legal developments in trusts, estates, and tax law.
• Proficient in legal research, drafting software, and related technologies.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Mental health and wellness programs.
• Child, family, elder, and pet care benefits.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts.
• Long-term care insurance.
• 401K retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and personal days.
• Continuing legal education and professional development support.

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.