Professional Trustee - Estate Administration

Varnum LLP; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Varnum LLP, a Michigan-based full-service law firm, seeks a Professional Trustee to join our Estate Planning Practice in Grand Rapids. You will oversee estate administration, ensuring assets are managed and distributed per clients’ wishes and legal requirements.

The role requires at least five years of estate/trust administration experience, strong probate and estate tax knowledge, and excellent communication. Collaborative team environment with client-facing responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, finance, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in estate administration, trust administration, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of probate laws, estate tax laws, and trust and estate administration procedures.
• Proficiency in financial management and accounting.
• Detail-oriented leader with strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the management and administration of estates, including the distribution of assets, payment of debts and taxes, and management of estate property.
• Maintain effective communication with beneficiaries, attorneys, and other relevant parties to ensure all estate matters are handled efficiently and professionally.
• Review and interpret estate plans, trusts, and wills to ensure assets are managed and distributed in accordance with client’s wishes and legal requirements.
• Directing and coordinating activities relative to administering personal trusts, charitable trusts, agency accounts, ILTITs and some probate estates.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on estate plans, trusts, and related matters.
• Engaging in practice development, client expansion, and cross-serving to grow the internal and external referral sources.
• Working as part of a dynamic team, overseeing, and coordinating the services provided to clients; delegating and managing the work of staff; coaching and mentoring staff.
• Assist with filing of estate tax returns and other required legal documents.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and the maintenance of confidential files.
• Attend court hearings and represent clients in legal proceedings as necessary.

Skills

Estate administration

Trust administration

Probate laws

Estate tax laws

Financial management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in law/finance

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

Professional Trustee - Estate Administration

Varnum LLP a Michigan-based, full-service law firm with over 180 attorneys and six offices, is seeking a highly motivated Professional Estate Trustee to join our dynamic team in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This exciting opportunity offers a chance to work with a leading law firm and utilize your expertise to provide exceptional service to our clients. As the Professional Trustee in the Estate Planning Practice, you will play a critical role in managing and administering estates, ensuring that all assets are handled in accordance with clients' wishes and legal requirements. The Professional Trustee is responsible for acting in a fiduciary capacity to perform activities relative to the administration of trusts under the terms of the governing trust documents.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the management and administration of estates, including the distribution of assets, payment of debts and taxes, and management of estate property.
• Maintain effective communication with beneficiaries, attorneys, and other relevant parties to ensure all estate matters are handled efficiently and professionally.
• Review and interpret estate plans, trusts, and wills to ensure assets are managed and distributed in accordance with client’s wishes and legal requirements.
• Directing and coordinating activities relative to administering personal trusts, charitable trusts, agency accounts, ILTITs and some probate estates.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on estate plans, trusts, and related matters.
• Engaging in practice development, client expansion, and cross-serving to grow the internal and external referral sources.
• Working as part of a dynamic team, overseeing, and coordinating the services provided to clients; delegating and managing the work of staff; coaching and mentoring staff.
• Assist with filing of estate tax returns and other required legal documents.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and the maintenance of confidential files.
• Attend court hearings and represent clients in legal proceedings as necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, finance, or a related field required.
• Minimum of five years of experience in estate administration, trust administration, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of probate laws, estate tax laws, and trust and estate administration procedures.
• Proficiency in financial management and accounting.
• Detail-oriented leader with strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Actively advancing technical skills in the Trust industry.
• Experience in conflict resolution and mediating disputes.
• Familiarity with tax regulations affecting estate administration.
• Membership in professional organizations or relevant certifications is a plus.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy.