Senior Attorney - Trusts & Estates

Overview

Exemption Status: Exempt

Remote Options/Office

Hours:

On-Site/Hybrid

Classification: Attorney

Reports to: Practice Area Manager

Summary Of Position

The Senior Attorney – Trusts & Estates independently manages and leads matters involving estate planning, trust formation and administration, probate proceedings, fiduciary representation, asset distribution, tax-related matters, and contested trust or estate disputes. This role requires advanced legal judgment, strong leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to supervise staff, manage workload distribution, and oversee complex caseloads efficiently. The Senior Attorney – Trusts & Estates serves as a strategic advisor to clients, provides guidance and mentorship to associates and support staff, and collaborates closely with partners to advance client objectives and firm goals.

The position demands exceptional research, writing, and communication skills, a proactive and self-directed approach to practice management, and a commitment to fostering teamwork, accountability, and a positive firm culture.

JKZ employees are expected to “Think Outside the Box,” applying creativity, sound judgment, and initiative to deliver thoughtful solutions and exceptional client service. Senior Attorneys are expected to model and uphold JKZ’s mission, vision, and values in all professional interactions and to consistently produce work that meets or exceeds the JKZ Standard.

Direct Reports

May supervise Associate Attorneys, paralegals, and support staff as assigned; however, all practice area legal support personnel and attorneys report to the practice area partner.

The following sections 1 through 5 include all duties and responsibilities which are typical of Senior Attorney’s duties in the Trusts & Estates department. However, depending on the role, a Senior Attorney may be more heavily involved in certain sections within the department. Sections 6 and 7 are applicable to all Senior Attorneys.

• Legal Drafting, Review & Advocacy
• Draft and review wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and related estate planning documents, tax analysis and compliance.
• Prepare and supervise probate petitions, trust administration pleadings, fiduciary accountings, objections, and settlement agreements.
• Draft and review persuasive briefs, declarations, and supporting filings in contested probate and trust litigation matters.
• Represent clients in probate court hearings, mediations, settlement conferences, and trust or estate trials.
• Prepare and review federal gift and estate tax returns, including Forms 706 and 709, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Case Strategy, Oversight & Workload Management
• Manage a diverse trusts and estates caseload, including estate planning, probate, trust administration, and fiduciary disputes.
• Develop case strategies and timelines, identifying legal, financial, and tax issues impacting asset distribution, fiduciary duties, and beneficiary rights.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of paralegals and support staff by assigning tasks, setting priorities, monitoring workloads, and ensuring timely completion.
• Review staff work product for accuracy, consistency, and adherence to firm standards.
• Track deadlines, filings, notices, and court requirements to ensure full compliance with statutory and procedural rules.
• Client Counseling & Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, advising on estate planning strategies, probate and trust administration processes, and dispute resolution options.
• Communicate complex legal and tax concepts in a clear, practical, and client-focused manner.
• Review and interpret asset inventories, fiduciary accountings, tax documents, and financial records in coordination with staff.
• Maintain professional, compassionate communication with clients, beneficiaries, trustees, and personal representatives, particularly in emotionally sensitive matters.
• Legal Research, Financial Analysis & Guidance
• Conduct and oversee legal research on trusts and estates statutes, tax regulations, case law, and local probate court procedures.
• Analyze financial data including asset…