Attorney – Trusts and Wills

Palesa Mbali Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in Johannesburg seeks a qualified Attorney specializing in estate planning. The role involves drafting wills and trusts, providing estate planning advice, and ensuring compliance with legal frameworks. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years experience in a private client law environment, a strong attention to detail, and solid interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years post-admission experience in wills, trusts, and estate planning.
• Strong technical knowledge of estate law and fiduciary duties.
• Membership in FISA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review wills and trusts; provide strategic estate planning advice.
• Administer deceased estates, ensuring compliance with relevant laws.
• Represent the firm in client meetings and maintain legal records.

Skills

Estate Planning

Trusts

Wills

Fiduciary Duties

Client Communication

Attention to Detail

Professional Ethics

Education

Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa

Tools

LegalSuite

GhostPractice

Job description

To provide specialised legal services in the drafting, administration, and execution of trusts and wills. The incumbent will offer strategic estate planning advice and ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory frameworks to safeguard clients’ assets and interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and advise on trusts, wills, and related estate planning instruments.
• Provide legal advice on estate planning, fiduciary duties, and tax implications of wills and trusts.
• Administer deceased estates and trusts, including liaising with the Master of the High Court and SARS.
• Interpret and explain legal terms and implications to clients in accessible language.
• Assist clients in the creation and registration of inter vivos and testamentary trusts.
• Ensure compliance with the Wills Act, Trust Property Control Act, Administration of Estates Act, and related legislation.
• Work closely with financial advisors, tax consultants, and fiduciary specialists.
• Represent the firm in client meetings, workshops, and other professional forums.
• Maintain accurate legal records and prepare legal reports for clients and stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of changes in estate, tax, and fiduciary law.

Qualifications & Experience

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa.
• At least 3–5 years post-admission experience, with a focus on wills, trusts, estate planning, and deceased estates.
• Experience working in a private client or fiduciary law environment preferred.
• Strong technical knowledge of wills, trusts, and estate law.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong ethical and professional standards.
• Ability to communicate complex legal information clearly.
• Client-centric approach with strong interpersonal skills.
• Organised and deadline-driven.
• Member of FISA (Fiduciary Institute of Southern Africa) preferred.
• Experience with fiduciary software (e.g., LegalSuite, GhostPractice).