Trusts & Estates Litigation Associate

CULLEN AND DYKMAN; Town of Hempstead (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

CULLEN AND DYKMAN in Battery Park, NYC or Uniondale, Long Island seeks a seasoned Associate to join its Trusts & Estates team. The role emphasizes trusts & estates litigation before Surrogate’s Court and Supreme Court, with significant responsibility from day one.

Qualified candidates have 3+ years in trusts and estates litigation, a JD, and NY bar in good standing, plus excellent written and verbal communication. A portable book of business is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in trusts and estates litigation.
• JD degree required with excellent academic credentials.
• Admitted and in good standing in New York State.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Represent clients in contested trusts and estates matters, including probate and accounting proceedings, discovery and turnover proceedings, trust disputes, fiduciary misconduct claims, and estate administration disputes.
• Handle all aspects of trusts and estates litigation, including legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, discovery, depositions, and court appearances.
• Advise clients on disputes involving estate administration, fiduciary obligations, beneficiary rights, and interpretation and validity of wills and trusts.
• Manage cases from initial consultation through resolution, including settlement negotiations, mediation, and trial preparation.
• Work closely with clients, fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and other counsel to develop effective litigation strategies.
• Maintain knowledge of developments in trusts and estates law, probate litigation, and related tax and fiduciary matters to provide thoughtful legal guidance.

Skills

Communication skills

Judgment & problem-solving

Client communication

Proactiveness & work ethic

Independent work & multitasking

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Salary Range: $140,000.00 To $175,000.00 Annually

Position Overview: The Firm is seeking to add an Associate to its Trusts & Estates team in our Battery Park, NYC or Uniondale, Long Island offices. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced attorney to join an established trusts and estates practice with an existing client base and significant responsibility from day one. The role will focus on trusts and estates litigation, representing clients in Surrogate’s Court and Supreme Court litigation matters involving wills, trusts, estates, and fiduciary disputes.

Job Duties:

• Represent clients in contested trusts and estates matters, including contested probate and accounting proceedings, discovery and turnover proceedings, construction proceedings , trust disputes, fiduciary misconduct claims, and estate administration disputes.
• Handle all aspects of trusts and estates litigation, including legal research, drafting pleadings and motions, discovery, depositions, and court appearances.
• Advise clients on disputes involving estate administration, fiduciary obligations, beneficiary rights, and the interpretation and validity of wills and trusts.
• Manage cases from initial consultation through resolution, including settlement negotiations, mediation, and trial preparation.
• Work closely with clients, fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and other counsel to develop effective litigation strategies.
• Maintain knowledge of developments in trusts and estates law, probate litigation, and related tax and fiduciary matters to provide thoughtful legal guidance.

Requirements:

• 3+ years of experience in trusts and estates litigation.
• JD degree required with excellent academic credentials.
• Admitted and in good standing in New York State.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong professional judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally with internal and external clients.
• Proactiveness, resourcefulness, and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and multi-task required.
• Portable book of business a plus, but not required.

Compensation & Benefits: The salary range for this role is $140,000-$175,000. Actual salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience. We offer a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package and a collaborative, friendly environment.