Associate Attorney - Estate Administration

Kelleher & Holland LLC; Ela Township (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelleher + Holland, LLC is seeking an entry‑level Estate & Trust Administration Attorney to support our team in North Barrington, Illinois. You will work closely with senior attorneys to guide executors, administrators, and trustees through probate and trust administration, developing hands‑on skills from day one.

This full‑time, in‑person role offers mentorship, opportunities to grow client and matter responsibility, and participation in a collaborative practice across estate planning and

Qualifications

• Active license to practice law in Illinois.
• 1–3 years of probate, trust administration, or related experience preferred; strong academic or clerkship background considered.
• Strong organizational, drafting, and attention‑to‑detail skills.
• A compassionate, client‑focused approach; comfortable working with families during difficult times.

Responsibilities

• Assist with opening and administering probate estates, including preparing petitions, inventories, accountings, and other court filings
• Guide trustees and beneficiaries through trust administration from initial funding review through final distribution
• Communicate with beneficiaries, financial institutions, and other professionals on administration matters
• Coordinate with accountants on fiduciary income and estate tax filings as needed
• Attend court hearings alongside senior attorneys and conduct legal research on administration issues
• Support client communications under attorney supervision

Job description

Description

Estate & Trust Administration Attorney (Entry-Level) — North Barrington, Illinois Office

(Full-Time | In-Person)

Illinois Licensed | Estate & Trust Administration / Probate Focus | 1–3 Years' Experience

This is a strong opportunity for an early-career attorney to build a foundation in estate and trust administration and probate, guiding families through a meaningful moment alongside experienced attorneys from day one.

About Us:

Kelleher + Holland, LLC is a full-service law firm with an established estate planning and administration practice serving individuals, families, and fiduciaries. We're seeking an entry-level Estate & Trust Administration Attorney to support our team, with the opportunity to develop hands‑on probate, trust administration, and client‑counseling skills under the mentorship of senior attorneys.

Position Overview:

The Estate & Trust Administration Attorney will work closely with senior attorneys to guide executors, administrators, and trustees through the probate and trust administration process, taking on increasing responsibility as skills develop. This role is ideal for a recently admitted attorney with 1–3 years of experience who is detail‑oriented, compassionate, and eager to build a long‑term practice in this area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with opening and administering probate estates, including preparing petitions, inventories, accountings, and other court filings
• Guide trustees and beneficiaries through trust administration from initial funding review through final distribution
• Communicate with beneficiaries, financial institutions, and other professionals on administration matters
• Coordinate with accountants on fiduciary income and estate tax filings as needed
• Attend court hearings alongside senior attorneys and conduct legal research on administration issues
• Support client communications under attorney supervision

Qualifications:

• Active license to practice law in Illinois; additional bar admissions a plus
• 1–3 years of probate, trust administration, or related experience preferred; strong academic or clerkship background considered
• Strong organizational, drafting, and attention‑to‑detail skills
• A compassionate, client‑focused approach; comfortable working with families during difficult times

Why Join Us:

• Direct mentorship from experienced estate and trust attorneys
• A structured path to growing client and matter responsibility
• A collaborative, team‑based culture that invests in early‑career development
• Access to resources across a wide range of practice areas and jurisdictions

This ad is for recruitment purposes only and not an offer of legal services.