Senior Trust & Estate Counsel, Advisory (Hybrid)

The Northern Trust Company; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 272,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel in the Wealth Management Legal division in Chicago. The attorney will advise on trust and estate law, fiduciary matters, and tax issues, reviewing wills and trust documents and supporting management and business partners.

The role requires a J.D. with 10+ years of experience, strong analytical skills, and ability to work across teams in a hybrid model with some evenings and weekends as needed. Salary range provided.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and must meet attorney licensing requirements in the jurisdiction where the position is located.
• 10+ years of experience in trusts, estates, fiduciary matters in a law firm or in‑house.
• Ability to review wills and trust documents and advise on fiduciary matters.
• Strong analytical skills and practical judgment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with partners and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing and analyzing Will and trust agreements when the bank serves in a fiduciary capacity.
• Providing legal counsel to Wealth Management on trust and fiduciary matters, including review of trust documents and estate settlement matters.
• Analyses proposals to modify or terminate trusts and assess legal risks.
• Overseeing and monitoring trust and estate litigation when Northern Trust acts fiduciary.
• Promoting education and presenting to internal partners and participating in Bar meetings.

Skills

J.D. degree

Bar admission

Trust & estate law

Legal analysis

Negotiation skills

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Northern Trust is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel in the Wealth Management Legal division in Chicago. The attorney will advise on trust and estate law, fiduciary matters, and tax issues, reviewing wills and trust documents and supporting management and business partners.

The role requires a J.D. with 10+ years of experience, strong analytical skills, and ability to work across teams in a hybrid model with some evenings and weekends as needed. Salary range provided.