Partner or Senior Associate – Trusts & Estates

Partner or Senior Associate — Trusts & Estates (St. Louis) – small book of business preferred, succession plan options

For over five decades, this well-established St. Louis law firm has built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and trusted client advocacy. The firm maintains a broad practice with particular strength in litigation, arbitration, appellate work, and business counseling. Its attorneys represent a diverse client base, including individuals, families, businesses, public entities, and educational institutions.

The firm’s lawyers are regularly recognized by leading legal publications and professional organizations. With a strong history of results, collegial culture, and commitment to the community, the firm offers an environment where attorneys can build thriving, sustainable practices while maintaining balance and autonomy.

The firm is seeking an experienced Estates & Trusts attorney — ideally at the Partner or Senior Associate level — to join its growing team.

This is a unique opportunity to step into an established platform with significant existing client relationships and a succession pathway as a senior partner transitions toward retirement.

The incoming attorney will have access to a large, active book of estates and trusts business and will have the opportunity to develop their own client base while learning from a highly respected practitioner in the field.

Candidates may join at either:

• Partner level — with an existing (even modest) portable book of business and the ability to assume and grow a significant client portfolio.

• Senior Associate level — with strong technical experience and business development potential. Associates receive a base salary plus one-third of the revenue from client matters they originate.

For Partners:

• Collections & Origination

• Full credit (less overhead) on own matters.

• Shared participation on cross-partner matters.

• Full credit (less overhead) on associate/paralegal work brought in by the partner.

• Overhead

• A portion of collections is withheld during the year, with year-end reconciliation.

• Effective overhead historically averages 27–32%.

• Partners share proportionate responsibility for associate/paralegal salaries based on use.

• Retirement & Profit-Sharing

• Firm-funded profit-sharing contributions (historically around 9–10%).

• 401(k) options available for additional contributions, subject to IRS limits.

• Team Flexibility

• Partners may hire or work with associates/paralegals, retaining collections (less overhead) while managing related costs.

For Senior Associates:

• Competitive salary (based on experience).

• Additional compensation: 1/3 of revenue from client-originated business.

• Potential pathway to partnership as practice and client base develop.

• Experience: 8–15 years of legal practice with a focus on estates, trusts, and related planning.

• Book of Business: For partner-level candidates, approximately $250k–$500k+ in portable clients preferred.

• Mindset: Entrepreneurial, client-centered, and motivated to build long-term relationships.

• Succession Interest: Excited by the opportunity to assume and expand an established book of business as a senior partner transitions.

• Strong, respected local reputation and multigenerational client relationships.

• Built-in succession opportunity with an established book of Estates & Trusts work.

• Transparent compensation and profit-sharing.

• Independent, collegial culture free from large-firm bureaucracy.

• Supportive structure designed to promote partner-level autonomy and sustainable success.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a confidential résumé and brief summary of their current practice or book of business. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.

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