Estate Planning Attorney

Goodwin Recruiting; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Burton is seeking an experienced Estate Planning Attorney to join its Illinois practice in Libertyville. The attorney will independently manage estate-planning matters and deliver a highly personalized client experience, from initial consultation through execution.

Candidates should have a JD, an active Illinois license, and meaningful hands-on estate-planning experience. The role emphasizes strong drafting skills, clear explanations of complex concepts, and a relationship-driven approach within

Qualifications

• Technically strong in estate planning; 3-5 years min.
• Excellent listener with client-centric approach.
• Able to translate complex legal concepts into clear language.

Responsibilities

• Meet directly with clients to understand families, assets, concerns, and goals.
• Draft, review, and finalize wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related documents.
• Explain estate-planning concepts in clear language and guide clients through execution.

Skills

Estate planning knowledge

Drafting skills

Interpersonal skills

Listening skills

Organization

Relationship-driven

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Active Illinois law license and good standing

Job description

Estate Planning Attorney

Position Overview

A law firm is seeking an experienced Estate Planning Attorney to join its growing practice. This is a critical hire for the firm and requires an attorney who can independently manage estate-planning matters while delivering the highly personalized client experience that defines the Law Firm.

The right attorney will combine strong technical estate-planning knowledge with exceptional interpersonal skills. The firm takes a relationship-driven approach to its clients and believes that exceptional legal service extends well beyond preparing documents.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet directly with clients to understand their families, assets, concerns, and estate-planning goals.
• Independently advise clients regarding appropriate estate-planning strategies.
• Draft, review, and finalize wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related estate-planning documents.
• Explain sophisticated estate-planning concepts in clear, understandable language.
• Guide clients through the estate-planning process from initial consultation through execution.
• Review existing estate plans and recommend appropriate updates or modifications.
• Work closely with clients, financial advisors, accountants, and other professionals when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and timely client files and documentation.
• Manage matters independently while collaborating with the firm's attorneys and support team.
• Provide timely, responsive communication and exceptional follow-through.
• Develop lasting relationships with clients and their families.
• Contribute to the continued growth and success of the firm's estate-planning practice.

The Client Experience

The Firm places significant emphasis on how clients feel throughout their experience with the firm.

The team believes in going the extra mile. That philosophy can be seen in small details—from personalized welcome signs and chocolates when clients arrive to making sure each person feels expected and genuinely welcomed.

The attorney joining the firm must embrace that same philosophy.

This isn't a role for an attorney who simply wants to draft documents and move to the next file. The successful attorney will enjoy meeting people, hearing their stories, understanding what matters to them, and helping families make important decisions about their futures.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be:

• Technically strong in estate planning. 3-5 years min.
• Capable of independently managing client matters.
• Warm, personable, and approachable.
• An excellent listener.
• Comfortable discussing sensitive family and financial matters.
• Able to translate complex legal concepts into everyday language.
• Responsive and dependable.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Relationship-driven rather than transactional.
• Comfortable working within a close-knit, collaborative law firm.
• Someone who naturally looks for opportunities to go the extra mile for clients.

Experience

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active Illinois law license and good standing.
• Meaningful hands-on estate-planning experience.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with estate-planning clients.
• Strong drafting skills involving wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related documents.
• Ability to independently handle estate-planning matters from consultation through execution.

What Makes Someone Successful at This Firm

Technical expertise gets an attorney through the legal work. The ability to connect with people is what makes someone successful at this firm.

Clients should leave feeling heard, understood, comfortable, and confident in the plan they have created. Burton is looking for an attorney who understands that the client experience is every bit as intentional as the legal work.