Attorney - Estate Planning, Probate & Tax

AgUpdate; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Paid time off

Hybrid remote work option

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S. seeks an estate planning, probate, and tax attorney to provide advanced counsel in wealth transfer strategies, trust and estate administration, probate, and related tax matters for high-net-worth clients.

The attorney will design sophisticated estate plans and advise fiduciaries while maintaining a portable book of business. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and a generous bonus structure, with a hybrid remote work option to support client service

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of estate planning techniques and tax law.
• Experience drafting complex estate planning documents and trusts.
• Ability to manage a substantial and varied caseload with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients, fiduciaries, and advisors on sophisticated estate planning strategies and tax issues.
• Draft and implement advanced estate planning documents (wills, trusts, ILITs, GRATs, IDGTs, SLATs, and LLCs).
• Represent personal representatives and trustees in probate and trust administration, and coordinate with CPAs as needed.
• Maintain high-quality documentation, timekeeping, and billing per firm standards.

Skills

Estate planning

Trusts & estates

Tax law

Drafting skills

Legal research

Time management

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

LL.M. in Taxation

WSBA membership

Job description

Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S. is seeking an estate planning, probate, and tax attorney to provide advanced legal counsel in the areas of estate planning, wealth transfer strategies, trust and estate administration, probate, and related tax matters. This position focuses on designing and implementing sophisticated estate plans, advising high-net-worth individuals and families, addressing complex tax issues, and supporting fiduciaries in administering estates and trusts. The attorney is expected to maintain and grow a portable book of business and contribute to the firm's continued development of a high-level trusts and estates practice.

Key Responsibilities

Client Counseling & Representation

Advise clients, families, fiduciaries, and professional advisors on sophisticated estate planning strategies, including wealth transfer planning, tax-efficient gifting, charitable planning, business succession planning, and multigenerational planning. Draft and implement advanced estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, ILITs, GRATs, IDGTs, SLATs, family limited partnerships/LLCs, and other complex planning instruments. Provide guidance on federal and state tax issues, including estate, gift, generation-skipping transfer (GST), and possibly fiduciary income tax matters. Represent personal representatives and trustees in all phases of probate and trust administration, including asset marshaling, creditor claims, distributions, tax returns, and fiduciary accountings. Advise clients on estate and trust controversies, working collaboratively with litigators where appropriate. Interpret and apply federal and Washington State tax laws, including preparation or review of Forms 706, 709, 1041, and related filings, or coordination with outside CPAs as needed

Case Management & Legal Workflows

Develop and oversee matter strategy, deadlines, tax planning timelines, and client deliverables. Conduct legal research and prepare complex memoranda, tax analyses, and client advisories. Coordinate with paralegals, administrative staff, and other attorneys to ensure efficient workflow and consistent client service. Maintain high-quality documentation, timekeeping, and billing practices consistent with firm standards.

Client Service & Professionalism

Present complex tax and estate planning concepts in clear, practical, and client-friendly terms. Maintain strong working relationships with clients, CPAs, financial advisors, fiduciaries, and other professionals involved in estate planning and administration. Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in managing sensitive personal and financial information. Provide exceptional responsiveness, communication, and service to clients with high expectations and sophisticated planning needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Advanced knowledge of estate planning techniques, trust and estate administration, and federal/state tax law. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, especially in applying tax law to complex fact patterns. Excellent drafting skills and strong attention to detail in preparing sophisticated planning documents. Ability to effectively manage a substantial and varied caseload with competing deadlines. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders. Proficiency with legal and tax-related technology platforms, including document management, timekeeping, and estate administration software.

Preferred and Required Education & Experience

Active membership in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) required. LL.M. in Taxation strongly preferred. A portable book of business and demonstrated ability to develop and retain client relationships. Five or more years of experience in sophisticated estate planning, probate, trust administration, and tax-oriented planning required. Experience preparing or overseeing preparation of federal estate, gift, fiduciary income, and GST tax returns. Experience with business succession planning and advising closely-held business owners is preferred. Litigation experience related to estate and trust matters is a plus but not required.

Compensation & Benefits

We are offering a full-time position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with education, experience and size of practice from $150,000 to $300,000. We also provide a generous productivity-based monthly bonus structure. Comprehensive benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, life insurance, paid time off, and 401(k), flexible schedule and hybrid remote work option.