Estate Planning Trust Associate

Strauss Malk & Feder LLP; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Dental Insurance

401(k) plan with matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Strauss Malk & Feder LLP in Illinois seeks a Trusts & Estates associate attorney with a foundational knowledge of estate planning and at least two years of relevant experience.

The associate will work closely with the managing partner on estate planning, trust administration, probate proceedings, and related matters, delivering thorough, client‑centered counsel in a collaborative environment.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and a benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in Trusts & Estates law, including estate planning, trust administration, and probate.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
• Strong drafting skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a client‑centered mindset.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple matters and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage trust and estate administration matters from start to finish.
• Advise clients on estate planning strategies, including tax minimization, creditor protection, and long‑term family goals.
• Prepare federal gift tax returns and federal and state estate tax returns.
• Conduct legal research and stay current on developments in Trusts & Estates law.
• Represent clients in probate proceedings and guide them through the process.
• Draft a wide range of estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

Skills

Estate planning

Drafting

Communication

Organization

Time management

Client service

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Job Description

Strauss Malk & Feder LLP is seeking a Trusts & Estates associate attorney to join our growing estate planning group. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who possesses a foundational knowledge of estate planning, supported by a minimum of two years’ relevant experience, to grow professionally within a firm distinguished for its work in the field.

About the Position:
In this role, you’ll work closely with the firm’s managing partner and handle a wide variety of matters including estate planning, trust and estate administration, and probate proceedings. You’ll have the opportunity to work on complex and meaningful matters from start to finish in a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage trust and estate administration matters from start to finish.
• Advise clients on estate planning strategies, including tax minimization, creditor protection, and long‑term family goals.
• Prepare federal gift tax returns and federal and state estate tax returns.
• Conduct legal research and stay current on developments in Trusts & Estates law.
• Represent clients in probate proceedings and guide them through the process.
• Draft a wide range of estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years of experience in Trusts & Estates law, including estate planning, trust administration, and probate.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in Illinois.
• Strong drafting skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a client‑centered mindset.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple matters and meet deadlines.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health and Dental Insurance.
• 401(k) plan with matching.
• Paid time off.

About Us:
Strauss Malk & Feder LLP is a well‑established, suburban law firm recognized for its work in complex Trusts and Estate planning, as well as in Litigation, Real Estate, Corporate and Transactional matters. We offer a professional and collaborative environment where every member of the firm plays a meaningful role in delivering quality services to our clients.