Private Wealth Planning Associate

Venable LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 215,000 - 355,000; Full time

Job summary

Venable LLP's Private Wealth Planning Group in Chicago seeks an associate with 3–6 years of experience in high-net-worth estate and wealth planning to join our team.

Ideal candidates have strong drafting experience and familiarity with dynasty trusts, valuation discounts, and charitable planning techniques. Illinois Bar admission and a JD are required, with LL.M. a plus.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of experience in high-net-worth estate and wealth planning.
• Experience advising high-net-worth individuals and families on estate, gift, and GST tax planning.
• At least two years of independent drafting experience.
• Strong understanding of advanced wealth transfer strategies (dynasty trusts, valuation discounts, IGTs, charitable planning).
• Experience with trust administration, fiduciary duties, and post-death administration of complex trusts.

Responsibilities

• Advise high-net-worth clients on sophisticated estate and tax planning matters.
• Draft and implement complex estate plans and related documents.
• Manage trust administration, modifications, and decantings; coordinate with outside advisors.
• Prepare and review federal and state estate tax returns.
• Develop tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies for families and family offices.

Skills

Estate planning

Gift tax planning

GST tax planning

Drafting experience

Client coordination

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Illinois Bar admission

LL.M. in Estate Planning

Job description

Venable LLP's Private Wealth Planning Group is seeking an associate with 3-6 years of experience in high-net-worth estate and wealth planning to join the practice in our Chicago office, which will be moving to the 51st, and top floor, of 111 South Wacker in the heart of downtown Chicago, with expansive views of the city.

The Chicago associate will join a national Private Wealth Planning Group with practitioners in major markets across the country, including Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The group and its attorneys are ranked by Chambers High Net Worth.

The successful candidate will have strong experience advising high-net-worth individuals and families on sophisticated estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax planning matters. Candidates should have at least two years of independent drafting experience and a strong understanding of advanced wealth transfer strategies, including dynasty trusts, valuation discount planning, sales to intentionally defective grantor trusts, and charitable planning techniques.

Experience with multigenerational wealth planning and the preparation and implementation of complex estate and tax plans is highly valued. Additional experience advising family offices, developing tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies, and planning for the preservation and transfer of specialized assets, including fine art, intellectual property, closely held businesses, and private equity interests, is a plus.

Candidates should also have experience with trust administration and restructuring matters, including advising on fiduciary duties, trust modifications and decantings, and the post-death administration of complex multigenerational trusts as well as the preparation and review of federal and state estate tax returns.

The successful candidate will have excellent written and oral communication skills, strong academic credentials, demonstrated project management skills, and the ability to work directly with clients and coordinate effectively with their outside advisors.

Candidates with law firm or accounting firm experience in estate planning are preferred, as are candidates who are currently pursuing or have completed a related LL.M. degree. Applicants must hold a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and be admitted to and in good standing with the Illinois Bar.

The salary range for associate positions is $215,000 to $355,000. The actual salary offered will be based on a number of job-related factors including, but not limited to, years of related experience, level of education, skills, credentials and certifications, responsibilities and performance.

Venable LLP does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by law. To view our inclusion and opportunity policy, please click here.