Trusts + Estates Senior Associate

About the Position

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is seeking an Associate Attorney to join our Trusts + Estates Practice Group in West Michigan. This position may be based in Holland, Grand Rapids, or Kalamazoo.

The ideal candidate will have three to seven years of experience in estate planning, trust and estate settlement, and related tax and corporate matters. Candidates must have excellent research, writing, and communication skills and be licensed (or willing and able to become licensed) and in good standing to practice law in the state of Michigan.

• Develop comprehensive estate plans tailored to clients' specific needs and goals
• Advise clients regarding the tax implications of estate planning and the ability to minimize tax liabilities for clients through strategies like gift and estate tax planning
• Handle the probate process, including court proceedings, asset valuation, debt settlement, and distribution of assets
• Manage and administer trusts, ensuring they operate in compliance with applicable laws and the trust agreement

• Strong foundation in estate planning, tax law, probate law, and trust law
• Experience helping high net worth families and individuals with their estate planning and management needs
• Estate and gift tax complex planning -- CRUTS, SLATS, GRATS, FLPs, QPRTs, IDGTs, ILITs
• Experience in succession planning, fiduciary accounting, will and trust contest, family settlement agreements, and tax preparation
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex legal concepts to clients in a clear and understandable manner
• Able to actively listen to client concerns and goals and then provide legal advice that aligns with their wishes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess complex financial and legal situations and devise appropriate solutions
• Precision in drafting legal documents to ensure they accurately reflect our client’s intentions and comply with relevant laws
• Handles sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and professionalism

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
• Licensed or willing to become licensed and in good standing to practice law in the state of Michigan
• 3-7 years of experience in estate planning, trust and estate settlement, and related tax and corporate matters, preferably in a law firm setting
• Strong interest in building a book of business
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed

By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd builds a better partnership with its clients. Warner is a full-service corporate law firm with 220+ attorneys practicing in nine offices throughout Michigan:
Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb, Midland and Muskegon.

To learn more, visit , follow us on X @WNJLLP or connect on Linked In or Facebook.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Firm-provided life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with employer contribution or match depending on plan design
• Firm holidays
• Remote work flexibility
• Wellness program
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities

Warner’s cultural motto is “Fun, Pride +  that Order”. We build A Better Partnership through:

• Teamwork – Warner’s lockstep compensation model encourages teamwork and distinguishes us from our competitors. Partner and associate salaries are set based upon seniority, not total hours worked, encouraging client legal projects to be routed to the most knowledgeable person in the firm. Our team approach to compensation yields better legal representation for our clients and lays the foundation for a fun culture without internal financial competition.
  
  We have a team atmosphere where people like working together and supporting each other.
• Diversity – At Warner, we take an “all in” approach to DEI – engaging people at all levels of the firm to lead and participate on DEI committees and initiatives. This ensures a broad base of support from team members truly invested in leading the charge. It’s…