Estate Planning Associate

Aspiriant; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 98,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative culture

Career development

CE assistance

401(k) match

Health insurance

Job summary

Aspiriant, a premier exclusive family office in Irvine, CA, seeks an estate planning attorney to join our boutique firm. You will prepare core estate planning documents, craft sophisticated tax strategies, and collaborate with wealth managers to serve ultra-high net worth families.

Requirements include a JD from an ABA-accredited school, active California Bar status (or upcoming admission), and 0–3 years of estate planning experience. Excellent drafting and confidentiality are essential.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the California Bar or year 2026 completion of the California State Bar Exam.
• Demonstrated strong interest in estate planning required.
• 0-3 years of relevant estate planning experience, or working knowledge of basic estate planning and related tax concepts.
• Some understanding of federal gift & estate tax law is a plus; completion of Federal Gift & Estate Tax course is a plus.
• Prior law firm experience or professional experience in estate planning is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work with clients on the preparation of core estate planning documents (Wills, Living Trusts, Powers of Attorney, etc.).
• Work with clients on the preparation of sophisticated estate tax planning techniques (Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts, Sales to Defective Grantor Trusts, Qualified Personal Residence Trusts, Dynasty Trusts, Life Insurance Trusts, etc.).
• Collaborate with wealth managers as part of a team providing intergenerational service to ultra-high net worth families.
• Draft documents related to real property including deeds, preliminary change of ownership reports, and property tax filings.
• Prepare client service plans detailing estate planning strategies and review of existing documents.
• Conduct legal research related to tax, estate planning and related matters.
• Prepare documents to form and maintain legal entities (Family Limited Partnerships, LLCs, Corporations, etc.).
• Prepare documents to create and maintain charitable entities (Charitable Remainder Trusts, Private Foundations, philanthropic legacy documents).
• Handle trust and estate administration matters.
• Review federal gift and estate tax returns.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

Team player

Confidentiality

Education

ABA-accredited JD

California Bar admission

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Exclusive Family Office Irvine, CA, US

Salary Range: $98,000.00 To $143,000.00 Annually

We are Strategic Planning Law Group, P.C.,

Strategic Planning Law Group, P.C., is a boutique estate planning firm in Southern California. The firm focuses on estate and business succession planning for high and ultra-high net worth individuals and families and their closely held businesses. The firm provides excellent support and resources in a team-oriented, collegial setting. We provide an extensive training program in gift and estate tax and advanced estate planning.

How you will contribute:

• Work with clients on the preparation of core estate planning documents (Wills, Living Trusts, Powers of Attorney, etc.)
• Work with clients on the preparation of sophisticated estate tax planning techniques (Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts, Sales to Defective Grantor Trusts, Qualified Personal Residence Trusts, Dynasty Trusts, Life Insurance Trusts, etc.)
• Work with wealth managers as part of a dynamic team providing exceptional intergenerational service to ultra-high net worth families
• Draft documents related to real property including deeds, preliminary change of ownership reports, and property tax filings
• Prepare client service plans detailing estate planning strategies and review of existing estate planning documents
• Conduct legal research related to tax, estate planning and related matters
• Prepare documents to form and maintain legal entities (Family Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, Corporations, etc.)
• Prepare documents to create and maintain charitable entities (Charitable Remainder Trusts, Private Foundations, philanthropic legacy documents)
• Handle trust and estate administration matters
• Review federal gift and estate tax returns

The attributes and talents that lead to success in the role are:

Knowledge

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) required. PowerPoint helpful.
• Strong initiative and work ethic

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including able to manage competing priorities and manage multiple projects
• A team player who will thrive in a fast-paced environment

Abilities

• EXTREMELY detail oriented – must have proven ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Impeccable ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work independently and to resolve complex problems
• Ability to timely and confidently execute well-reasoned resolutions

Experience and Education

• J.D. degree from an ABA accredited law school
• Member in good standing of the California Bar or year 2026 completion of the California State Bar Exam
• Demonstrated strong interest in estate planning required
• 0-3 years of relevant estate planning experience, or the ability to demonstrate a working knowledge of basic estate planning and related tax concepts
• Some understanding of federal gift and estate tax law a plus; completion of Federal Gift & Estate Tax course a plus
• Though not required, some prior law firm experience or professional experience in the area of estate planning is a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with individuals at all levels
• Strong drafting skills and attention to detail

We offer –

• Collaborative work environment – Together, We Achieve More
• Environment supportive to learning and growing your career
• Continuing education assistance program
• 401(k) with company match
• Company contribution up to 95% for health insurance

Our core values guide us to seek out a broad range of perspectives, talent, and backgrounds to achieve our mission; one where all staff contribute to and share our success. We are committed to diversity, and as an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

Aspiriant is an Equal Opportunity Employer and follows the guidelines for any applicable Fair Chance Ordinances.

Primarily sedentary work in an office with minimal distractions; walking throughout the office. Learn and memorize tasks; execute tasks independently; apply knowledge and use judgment to handle situations. Occasionally exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Perform repetitive motions; substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and fingers for computer keyboard operation. Use near visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing documents, operating a computer, and reading. Speak and hear to communicate with team members and clients by phone and in-person.

Aspiriant is a Registered Investment Adviser, subject to SEC regulation, and requires all employees (and at times, family members) to disclose securities holding and transactions. There are also restrictions on trading certain securities. Candidates are encouraged to request further information regarding these policies.