Attorney, Trust Estates

About the Firm:

Cole Schotz is a well-established law firm with a strong reputation in private client services, estate planning, and tax law. Our clients include high-net-worth individuals, family offices, closely held businesses, and fiduciaries. We offer a collaborative environment, direct client contact, and significant responsibility early in your career.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a mid-level associate (36 years of experience) to join our Tax, Trusts & Estates practice. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in estate planning, estate and trust administration, and transfer tax law, along with a desire to deepen their experience in complex, multigenerational wealth planning.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement estate plans tailored to clients' financial and personal goals.
• Draft and review sophisticated estate planning documents, including GRATs, SLATs, ILITs, QTIPs, and charitable trusts.
• Handle complex trust and estate administration, including probate, fiduciary duties, and asset transfers.
• Advise clients on estate, gift, GST, and income tax strategies, including lifetime giving, business succession, and charitable planning.
• Prepare and/or supervise the preparation of federal and state estate, gift, and fiduciary income tax returns (Forms 706, 709, 1041).
• Coordinate with clients accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals to ensure cohesive planning.
• Conduct legal research and stay current on changes in relevant tax and estate laws.
• Participate in client meetings and manage day-to-day client communications with professionalism and efficiency.
• Assist with training and mentoring junior associates and paralegals as needed.

Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active member of the State Bar.
• 3-6 years of relevant experience in a law firm or boutique trusts and estates practice.
• LL.M. in Taxation or CPA background preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of federal estate, gift, and income tax law.
• Excellent drafting, organizational, and client communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with estate planning and tax software (e.g., GEMS, WealthCounsel, HotDocs) is a plus.
• LL.M preferred in Taxation or Estate Planning.
• Bar admission in one or more states in which the Firm has an office and where the candidate desires to be resident is required.
• Strong academic credentials, excellent oral and written communication skills required.
• We offer an excellent compensation package and comprehensive benefits program.