Estate Planning Attorney

Harwood Lloyd, LLP; Hackensack (NJ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Harwood Lloyd, LLP, a leading New York and New Jersey law firm, seeks a full-time Estate Planning Attorney to join its Wills, Trusts & Estates Practice Group. The role emphasizes sophisticated wealth transfer planning, complex trust structures, and tax optimization for high-net-worth clients across NJ and NY.

The attorney will handle client-facing responsibilities, interact with family offices and financial advisors, and have a clear path for professional and leadership growth in a private

Qualifications

• Active license to practice law in New Jersey and New York (dual admitted)
• 5–10+ years of dedicated estate planning experience in a reputable firm or boutique private wealth practice
• J.D. required; LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning strongly preferred
• Mastery of complex trust drafting, NJ/NY tax laws, and fiduciary court practice
• Outstanding communication and client-management skills with HNW clients

Responsibilities

• Structure, draft, and implement bespoke estate plans for HNW/UHNW clients (revocable/irrevocable trusts, dynasty trusts, etc.)
• Advise on state and federal estate, gift, and GST taxes with NJ/NY implications
• Assist with business succession planning and asset protection (FLPs/LLCs, buy-sell agreements)
• Oversee estate and trust administration in NY Surrogate's Court and NJ Probate Part
• Coordinate with wealth managers, CPAs, and family offices to execute comprehensive wealth plans

Skills

HNW estate planning

Tax optimization

Cross-border advisory

Client relationship management

Leadership

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning

Job description

Harwood Lloyd, LLP, a New York and New Jersey firm, is seeking a full-time Attorney to join us in our Estate Planning Department.Harwood Lloyd, LLP is a premier full-service firm with a Wills, Trusts & Estates Department specializing in private client services, complex trust and estate planning, asset protection, and tax strategies for high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, business owners, and multi-generational families. We pride ourselves on delivering bespoke legal solutions with the highest standard of sophistication and personal client care.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Estate Planning Attorney to join our growing Wills, Trusts & Estates Practice Group. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in wealth transfer planning, complex trust structures, estate and gift tax optimization, and business succession planning tailored to the unique regulatory and legal landscapes of New Jersey and New York.

This role offers significant client-facing responsibility, direct interaction with family offices and financial advisors, and a clear path for professional and leadership growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Bespoke Estate Design: Structure, draft, and implement comprehensive estate plans for HNW and UHNW clients, including revocable/irrevocable trusts, dynasty trusts, among many others.
• Tax Minimization Strategies: Advise on state and federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) taxes, with a specific focus on NJ and NY state tax implications and clawback rules.
• Business Succession & Asset Protection: Assist business owners and executives with buy-sell agreements, entity restructuring, family limited partnerships (FLPs/LLCs), and succession strategies.
• Estate & Trust Administration: Oversee complex probate proceedings in NY Surrogate's Court and NJ Superior Court (Probate Part), as well as ongoing trust administration and fiduciary advising.
• Cross-Border & Multi-State Advice: Navigate residency, domicile, and multi-jurisdictional issues for clients owning property or maintaining ties across both NJ and NY.
• Advisor Collaboration: Work closely with wealth managers, CPAs, family office directors, and insurance professionals to execute holistic client wealth plans.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bar Admission: Active license to practice law in both New Jersey and New York (or dual-admitted status pending).
• Experience: 5 to 10+ years of dedicated practice in HNW/UHNW estate planning, wealth transfer, and tax law within a reputable firm or boutique private wealth practice.
• Advanced Degree: Juris Doctor (J.D.) required; LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning is strongly preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of complex trust drafting, state-specific tax laws (NJ/NY), and probate/fiduciary court practice.
• Communication & Presence: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with the polish, empathy, and confidentiality needed to interface with HNW clients.
• Client Management: Ability to manage complex matters independently while fostering strong long-term client and advisor relationships.
• Salary: $180,000 – $200,000+ (commensurate with experience and client portable practice, if applicable)
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement: 401(k) with firm match and profit-sharing options.
• Professional Support: Bar dues, CLE allowances, and professional membership funding.