ESTATE & TAX PLANNING ASSOCIATE

FBT Gibbons; Newport Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical (HSA or PPO)

Dental & vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability (short/long-term)

Parental leaves

Sick and vacation time

Well-being/EAP support

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

FBT Gibbons LLP’s Newport Beach office is seeking an Estate & Tax Planning Associate to join a nationally recognized, full-service law firm with a coast-to-coast footprint.

The role demands 5–7 years in estate and tax matters, with a focus on irrevocable trust tools and high-net-worth client service. The firm offers a hybrid work model (three days in-office), strong mentorship, and a clear path to partnership within a culture that prioritizes inclusion and community involvement.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in estate and tax planning, trust administration, and business succession planning.
• Strong background in gift and estate tax matters, including SLATs, IDGTs, ILITs, CRTs, GRATS, and other irrevocable trust planning tools.
• Direct client experience with high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals; Family Office experience desirable.
• Speed, accuracy, and commitment to meeting clients’ objectives.
• Superior academic credentials, excellent research and writing skills, collaborative mindset.

Skills

Estate planning

Gift & estate tax

UHNW client experience

Trust administration

Attention to detail

Research & writing

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission

Job description

The Newport Beach, California office of FBT Gibbons LLP is seeking an Estate & Tax Planning Associate.

FBT Gibbons LLP is a national, full-service law firm formed through the combination of Frost Brown Todd and Gibbons, bringing together more than 800 attorneys across 26 offices. Our attorneys offer comprehensive legal solutions to clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies and global multinationals to startups and nonprofits. FBT Gibbons distinguishes itself as a dynamic, forward-moving firm with a coast-to-coast footprint and a reputation for excellence across multiple practice areas and industries. Our reputation is further reinforced by its numerous Chambers and Best Lawyers ranked practices and attorneys. We are a people‑first firm recognized for our award-winning inclusive culture and a strong commitment to community and pro bono work. FBT Gibbons supports our attorneys with structured training and mentorship, clear paths to advancement, and a platform that provides exposure to varied and sophisticated matters.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in estate and tax planning, trust administration, and business succession planning
• Strong background in gift and estate tax matters, including preparation of SLATs, IDGTs, ILITs, CRTs, GRATS, and other irrevocable trust planning tools
• Direct client experience with high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals; experience in a Family Office setting is desirable.
• Speed, accuracy, and commitment to meeting clients’ objectives
• Superior academic credentials, excellent research and writing skills, and a collaborative team mindset
  
  

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $200,000 to $235,000 , reflecting a variety of factors including experience, training, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs. Actual compensation will be determined based on skills, relevant experience, and other job-related factors, consistent with applicable employment laws.

Associates Are Also Eligible For

• Quarterly and annual objective bonuses, with maximum objective bonus opportunities ranging from approximately $14,000 to $22,000 per year, depending on associate level
• Annual subjective bonus
  
  

Benefits

FBT Gibbons offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical (HSA with employer contribution or PPO options)
• Dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Various parental leaves
• Sick and vacation time
• Well-being/EAP support
• Generous 401(k) retirement plan
  
  

Why FBT Gibbons?

At FBT Gibbons, we believe great lawyering starts with a great workplace. Our attorneys benefit from a hybrid work environment (three days in-office), a “dress for your day” policy, and robust support for both professional and personal development. Associates have a clear, competency-based , path to partnership, and formalized mentorship and active Affinity & Ally Networks foster connection, growth, and belonging. Attorneys are encouraged to engage in pro bono work, community partnerships, and professional organizations, with opportunities for leadership and recognition. Our commitment to diversity is a fundamental driver of business success, and our diversity efforts are embedded in the firm’s core values and strategic priorities. Our approach to diversity strengthens our collaboration, the way we serve clients, our ability to attract top talent, and how we innovate as a firm. FBT Gibbons remains steadfast in our dedication to an environment where every individual can thrive, develop, and reach their full potential within our firm and while championing diverse perspectives within the broader community. Learn more about our culture and commitment to inclusion at fbtgibbons.com/about/diversity-inclusion .

FBT Gibbons LLP is an equal opportunity employer.

FBTGibbons is not accepting search firm or recruiter submissions for this position. Unsolicited submissions from search firms will not be considered.