Trusts & Estates Partner

Bonham Solutions; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A nationally recognized, full-service law firm with a Midwest presence seeks an experienced Trusts & Estates Partner to join its Chicago office. The role focuses on estate planning, trust administration, wealth transfer, and tax planning for high-net-worth clients.

The ideal candidate has an established practice, a strong client network in Chicago, and a proven ability to originate new business while delivering top-tier service across offices.

Qualifications

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Responsibilities

• Advise high-net-worth individuals and families on sophisticated trusts and estates planning.
• Origin new business and develop portable practice within Chicago market.
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple offices and practice groups to deliver comprehensive service.

Skills

Business development

Client relationships

Leadership

Cross-office collaboration

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Illinois bar admission or eligibility

Job description

A nationally recognized, full-service law firm with more than 30 offices across the United States and a well-established Midwest presence is seeking an experienced Trusts & Estates Partner to join its Chicago office. The firm represents high-net-worth individuals and families in sophisticated estate planning, trust administration, wealth transfer, and tax planning matters.

This is a strong opportunity for an entrepreneurial attorney to join a collaborative national platform, build on an existing practice in one of the country's largest private wealth markets, and tap into significant cross-selling opportunities across multiple practice areas.

About the Role

The firm is looking for a Trusts & Estates attorney with a track record of advising high-net-worth individuals and families on sophisticated estate planning, trust administration, wealth preservation, gift and estate tax planning, and business succession matters.

The ideal candidate brings an established practice, deep client relationships, and a proven ability to originate new business while providing top-tier client service — particularly within Chicago's deep base of business owners, executives, and multigenerational families.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar admission (or eligibility for admission) in Illinois
• Significant experience in sophisticated trusts and estates planning for high-net-worth individuals and families
• Demonstrated business development skills and an established professional network within the Chicago market
• Portable book of business required
• Excellent client service, leadership, and relationship-building abilities
• Ability to collaborate with attorneys across multiple offices and practice groups

Partnership Opportunities

The firm offers both Income Partner and Equity Partner opportunities based on the size and sustainability of a candidate's portable practice.

Equity Partner

• Candidates with a self-sustaining portable book of business of approximately $1 million or more will be considered for equity partnership upon joining
• Ideal candidates maintain billing rates of $600+ per hour or have the ability to support or increase billing rates within the firm's platform

Income Partner

• Candidates with an established but growing practice are encouraged to apply
• Compensation is based on several factors, including portable book of business, billing rate, expected annual billable hours, and overall experience and practice potential
• Attorneys with books below the equity threshold but strong long-term growth potential will be considered for the Income Partner track

Position Highlights

• Hybrid/remote schedule with 3 days per week in office
• Strong opportunities for cross-selling and collaboration with the firm's established corporate, tax, real estate, and litigation practices
• Flexible partnership structure with clear paths for growth
• Competitive compensation aligned with practice size and performance
• Robust marketing, business development, and administrative support