Legal Counsel Trust and Estate

GVW Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal services firm in Durbanville is seeking a Legal Counsel specializing in U.S. estate planning. This role requires at least 5 years of experience in trust and estate administration, focusing on multi-jurisdictional planning and compliance. The ideal candidate must have strong communication skills, the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, and a law degree from an accredited institution. This position emphasizes teamwork and collaboration with clients and other professionals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in U.S. trust and estate planning.
• Cross-border and US contracting experience.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and prepare detailed memoranda on estate planning.
• Design and oversee estate and trust entities.
• Liaise with trustees and beneficiaries regarding estate arrangements.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Attention to detail

Legal research and writing skills

Critical thinking skills

Time management

Collaboration with legal and non-legal colleagues

Education

Admission to practice law in a U.S. state

LLB Degree / Commercial Law / Contractual Law / B. Com

LLM in Taxation

Job description

Overview

GVW Group is seeking a Legal Counsel : Trust and Estates who possess extensive experience and a strong background in U.S. estate planning and administration to join our team. While the role is based in Durbanville, South Africa, the candidate must possess substantial U.S. legal experience, particularly in the areas of tax and estate planning.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research and prepare detailed memoranda advising both the operating enterprise and ownership family on multi-jurisdictional estate and trust planning, including related tax, structural, and administrative considerations.
• Design, establish, and oversee a range of estate and trust entities aligned with the strategic goals and long-term objectives of the ownership family.
• Collaborate with tax advisors to coordinate estate and trust planning with broader enterprise tax strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements tied to the formation and ongoing management of estate / trust structures, including associated filings.
• Identify, assess, and communicate risks associated with current and proposed estate / trust structures, ensuring alignment with family and enterprise priorities.
• Liaise with trustees, beneficiaries, and grantors regarding the planning, execution, and compliance of estate and trust arrangements.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to all parties involved in estate and trust administration, including grantors, beneficiaries, and trustees.
• Advise on estate and trust strategies essential to ensuring continuity of ownership and governance within the family and enterprise.
• Lead or support special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.
• Effectively advocate for U.S. tax positions, both orally and in written form.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in U.S. trust, estate planning and administration, including drafting sophisticated estate planning documents.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience required
• Cross-border and US contracting experience.
• LLB Degree / Commercial Law / Contractual Law / B. Com from an accredited law school
• LLM in Taxation
• Admission to practice law in any U.S. state is required, with a preference for Illinois, Florida (Miami), or Ohio.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• A self-starter with strong legal research and writing skills.
• Maintain strong client relationships with minimal supervision.
• Critical thinking skills and complex problem-solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to work full-time in the company’s office are required.
• Ability to collaborate with both legal and non-legal colleagues in SA and the U.S.
• Time management / flexible hours.
• Take ownership and accountability.
• Professional references.