Associate Attorney — Estates & Trusts

Orion Placement; Annapolis (MD); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Life/AD&D and LTD insurance

FSA/HSA options

Paid leave and holidays

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Confidential Employer, a well-established law firm with 30+ years in Maryland, Virginia, and DC, seeks an estate planning attorney based in Annapolis, MD. The role focuses on drafting comprehensive estate plans, trusts, and tax strategies for a diverse client base.

The attorney will advise families and business owners on wealth planning, probate, and succession, collaborating with CPAs and financial planners to deliver holistic solutions. Maryland Bar admission is required.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with a strong academic record.
• Active Maryland Bar admission in good standing (required).
• 1+ years of substantive estate planning, trust administration, or tax law experience.
• LLM in Taxation is a strong plus but not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Superior client-service orientation and ability to build trusted relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple matters independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft and structure comprehensive estate plans tailored to individual client goals and tax strategies.
• Prepare wills, trust agreements, powers of attorney, and advance directives with precision and care.
• Advise clients and families on estate and gift tax planning to minimize exposure.
• Administer trusts and guide clients through probate proceedings from opening to final distribution.
• Counsel business owners on succession planning, buy-sell agreements, and closely held business transitions.
• Collaborate with financial advisors, CPAs, and other professionals to deliver holistic client solutions.
• Manage a growing caseload while maintaining exceptional client communication and responsiveness.
• Conduct legal research and stay current on changes in federal and Maryland estate and tax law.

Skills

Client service

Legal research

Communication skills

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Active Maryland Bar admission

LLM in Taxation (strong plus)

Job description

• Join a respected, established firm known for its deep roots in business law and a reputation built over 30+ years of excellence
• Work with a dynamic, collegial team that values collaboration, mentorship, and high-quality legal work
• Make an immediate impact by advising clients on complex estate plans, trust administration, and tax planning strategies
• Enjoy meaningful client relationships in a practice that touches families and businesses at pivotal moments
• Competitive compensation with semi-annual and annual performance bonuses tied to firm and individual results
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family; 401(k); firm-paid life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance; FSA and HSA options
• Generous paid leave including maternity/family leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and a wellness program
• Real work-life flexibility with occasional remote work available with approval
• Career growth path within a firm that invests in its associates and rewards performance

Location

This is a full-time, on-site role based in our Annapolis, MD office.

Note

Active Maryland Bar admission in good standing is required to be considered for this role. Candidates currently barred in Maryland or willing to obtain Maryland admission are encouraged to apply. Relocation may be considered on a case-by-case basis for qualified out-of-area candidates.

About Us

We are a well-established, highly regarded law firm with a proud 30+ year legacy serving business owners across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Known as "the business owner's law firm", we provide comprehensive legal counsel to commercial ventures of all sizes, from multi-generational family businesses to emerging companies in today's new economy. Our estates and trusts practice is a cornerstone of what we do, allowing clients to protect their wealth and plan confidently for the future. We offer a collaborative, professional environment where talented attorneys can thrive and grow. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Draft and structure comprehensive estate plans tailored to individual client goals and tax strategies
• Prepare wills, trust agreements, powers of attorney, and advance directives with precision and care
• Advise clients and families on estate and gift tax planning, including strategies to minimize tax exposure
• Administer trusts and guide clients through probate proceedings from opening to final distribution
• Counsel business owners on succession planning, buy-sell agreements, and closely held business transitions
• Collaborate with financial advisors, CPAs, and other professionals to deliver holistic client solutions
• Manage a growing caseload while maintaining exceptional client communication and responsiveness
• Conduct legal research and stay current on changes in federal and Maryland estate and tax law

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school; strong academic record
• Active Maryland Bar admission in good standing (required)
• 1+ years of substantive experience in estate planning, trust administration, or tax law
• LLM in Taxation a strong plus (not required)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Superior client-service orientation and ability to build trusted relationships
• Ability to manage multiple matters independently in a fast-paced environment

Why You Will Love Working Here

• Purpose-driven work: Every matter you handle helps clients protect what they have built, for themselves and for generations to come
• A team that has your back: Close-knit attorneys who genuinely enjoy working together and support each other's growth
• Recognition and reward: A compensation structure that reflects your contributions through meaningful bonus opportunities
• Stability with momentum: A firm with 30+ years of success that continues to grow and evolve