Estate Planning Attorney

XceedSearch.com; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

International Law Firm in New Haven, CT is expanding its US Private Client & Tax practice and seeks an experienced Estate Planner/Drafter to join the team. You will prepare bespoke estate planning documentation for high-net-worth individuals and families and support complex wealth transfer and trust planning in a collaborative environment.

The role offers growth at an early stage within a growing international practice, with opportunities to work closely with attorneys and financial advisors on

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years’ experience drafting estate planning documents in a law firm or specialist setting.
• Deep knowledge of trust and estate administration and tax planning for high-net-worth clients.
• Bar admission in CT or NY, willingness to obtain other jurisdiction.
• LL.M. in Taxation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Draft wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and related estate planning documents.
• Collaborate with attorneys, financial advisors, and clients on planning strategies.
• Use firm templates and software to prepare complete estate planning packages.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with New York and Connecticut requirements.

Skills

Estate planning drafting

Wills & trusts drafting

Tax planning knowledge

Strong communication

Education

Connecticut or New York Bar admission

LL.M. in Taxation (plus)

Tools

Estate planning software

Job description

We are an international law firm with a focus on private capital at the intersection of personal, family and business. Our ability to understand people makes us who we are. We work together to build deep and trusted relationships that deliver meaningful value to our clients. We do this with empathy, attention, and clarity. No jargon, no attitude. We know what matters. We are committed to running our business responsibly We recognize that our long-term success as a responsible business depends on the health and resilience of our people, our clients, our communities, and our natural environment. We are working hard to ensure that we make a positive contribution for all our stakeholders. As part of this, we are committed to developing an increasingly diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, feel valued, feel that they belong and can fulfil their potential. What we value Our values represent who we are as a Firm. They are designed to guide the way we think, behave, speak, collaborate, and do business.

We are an international law firm advising private capital at the intersection of personal, family and business. Our US platform is expanding, offering high-quality cross-border work within a collaborative, internationally connected practice. We are seeking an experienced Estate Planner / Drafter to join our growing US Private Client & Tax practice in New Haven, Connecticut. This role offers the opportunity to join at an early stage in a growing international practice supporting attorneys in the preparation and delivery of bespoke estate planning documentation for high-net-worth individuals and families. The practice focuses on sophisticated estate planning for individuals and families, including taxable estates, wealth transfer strategies, and trust planning. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who enjoys the technical and strategic side of estate planning and wants to work on complex, high-net-worth planning matters in a collaborative environment.

Roles and Responsibilities

Document Drafting & Technical Delivery:

• Wills (including tax-planned structures)
• Revocable and irrevocable trusts
• Advanced wealth transfer planning documents
• Powers of attorney and healthcare directives
• Ancillary documents (e.g. deeds, funding schedules, assignment documents)
• Customization of documentation based on attorney guidance, client intake data, and established firm templates
• Preparation of complete estate planning packages, ensuring consistency across all documents

Collaboration & Matter Support:

• Work closely with attorneys, financial advisors and clients to support the implementation of comprehensive estate planning strategies
• Incorporate revisions and feedback efficiently, ensuring deadlines and client expectations are met
• Liaise with internal stakeholders to gather information and ensure smooth progression of matters
• Support junior drafters or paralegals where required, providing guidance on templates and firm drafting standards (where applicable at this level)

Workflow, Systems & Process Contribution:

• Use estate planning software and firm templates to produce documents efficiently
• Maintain organized document management, including version control and file integrity
• Contribute to the refinement of templates, precedents, and internal drafting processes
• Stay current with developments in estate planning practices, including relevant legal and tax considerations
• Comply with all relevant legal and regulatory obligations including the New York and Connecticut
• Assist with trust administration and estate settlement matters as needed
• Review and analyze estate structures, asset titling, and tax considerations to support planning objectives

Skills and Experience

• An Associate Attorney admitted to the Connecticut or New York State Bar (with willingness to obtain the other jurisdiction)
• Minimum 3+ years’ experience drafting estate planning documents within a law firm or specialist legal environment
• Deep knowledge of trust and estate administration and tax planning for high-net-worth clients
• LL.M. in Taxation a plus

Person Specification

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work with a moderate level of independence while appropriately escalating complex issues
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast‑paced and changing environment
• Collegial and responsive to feedbackClient‑focused mindset with a track record of responsiveness and service excellence

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.