Senior Trusts & Estates Attorney - Private Client Growth

Orion Placement; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 160,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Job summary

Confidential Employer in Michigan seeks a seasoned Trusts & Estates attorney to join a sophisticated private client practice in Grand Rapids or Detroit. You will handle estate planning, tax, probate, and wealth preservation matters, advising individuals, families, and fiduciaries with direct client relationships and significant responsibility.

Requirements include a Juris Doctor from an ABA‑accredited school, active Michigan Bar license, and 6+ years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active Michigan Bar license in good standing.
• 6+ years of estate planning, trusts & estates, probate, and tax law experience.
• Excellent legal writing, analytical, communication, and client counseling skills.
• Discretion handling sensitive information and confidentiality.
• Ability to manage sophisticated client matters independently.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive estate plans tailored to clients' financial circumstances and goals.
• Advise on estate planning, wealth preservation, and succession strategies for individuals and families.
• Counsel clients on estate and gift tax considerations and minimization strategies.
• Handle trust administration and ensure compliance with governing documents and law.
• Manage probate matters, including proceedings, valuation, and asset distribution.
• Draft and review estate planning, trust, probate, and related documents with precision.
• Build strong client relationships through clear communication and responsive counsel.
• Identify and pursue business development opportunities to grow the practice.

Skills

Legal writing

Client counseling

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Job description

Pay: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00 per year

Why This Is a Great Opportunity

• Join a highly respected Trusts & Estates practice where you'll work on sophisticated estate planning, tax, trust administration, probate, and wealth preservation matters.
• Collaborate with an experienced team of attorneys and paralegals while advising individuals, families, business owners, and fiduciaries on meaningful, high-impact matters.
• Build a broad and rewarding private client practice with significant opportunities for professional growth and business development.
• Work on complex matters alongside experienced attorneys while maintaining direct client relationships and meaningful responsibility.
• Enjoy a collegial, team-oriented environment designed to support long-term career growth and work-life balance.

Location: Grand Rapids, MI or Detroit, MI — on-site in a professional law firm environment with a collaborative team atmosphere.

Note: Must have an active Michigan Bar license in good standing and 6+ years of directly relevant experience in estate planning, Trusts & Estates, and tax law. A portable book of business is required.

About Us

We are a well-established, full-service law firm with a sophisticated private client practice and a strong reputation for delivering thoughtful, practical legal counsel. Our team values collaboration, professional excellence, client service, and building careers that can thrive for the long term. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Develop comprehensive estate plans tailored to clients' financial circumstances, family needs, and long-term goals.
• Advise individuals, families, business owners, and fiduciaries on estate planning, wealth preservation, and succession strategies.
• Counsel clients on estate and gift tax considerations and strategies designed to minimize tax liabilities.
• Handle trust administration and ensure trusts are administered in accordance with governing documents and applicable law.
• Manage probate matters, including court proceedings, asset valuation, debt settlement, and distribution of assets.
• Draft and review sophisticated estate planning, trust, probate, and related legal documents with precision.
• Analyze complex legal and financial circumstances and develop practical solutions aligned with client objectives.
• Build strong, trusted client relationships through clear communication and responsive legal counsel.
• Identify and pursue appropriate business development opportunities to grow the practice.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active Michigan Bar license in good standing.
• 6+ years of directly relevant estate planning, Trusts & Estates, probate, and tax law experience.
• Strong knowledge of estate planning, trust administration, probate, and estate and gift tax matters.
• Excellent legal writing, analytical, communication, and client counseling skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, and ability to manage sophisticated client matters independently.

Why You Will Love Working Here

You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on clients' lives while working with talented professionals who value teamwork over internal competition. We foster a supportive, collegial culture where attorneys can grow their practices, collaborate on challenging matters, contribute to the community, and build a sustainable long-term career. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Trusts & Estates attorney who wants sophisticated work, meaningful client relationships, and a strong platform for continued growth.

JPC-1744

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance