What are the responsibilities and job description for the Estate Administration Attorney position at Bratton Law Group?
We are seeking a skilled and empathetic Estate Administration & Litigation Attorney to join our growing team. In this role, you will lead a robust caseload involving estate and trust administration, complex probate litigation, and guardianship proceedings across both New Jersey and Pennsylvania jurisdictions. You will serve as the strategic lead on cases, guiding grieving families through the legal mechanics of estate administration while aggressively advocating for clients in contested probate and adult guardianship matters. Supported by a dedicated paralegal team, you will oversee asset distribution, tax compliance, and court operations from inception through completion.
Key Responsibilities
Case Strategy & Client Leadership
- Strategic Counsel: Act as the primary legal advisor to executors, administrators, trustees, and guardians, explaining complex fiduciary roles and legal mechanisms with clarity and empathy.
- Department Oversight: Partner with and supervise estate administration paralegals to ensure accurate document production, strict deadline compliance, and accurate data integrity.
Estate & Trust Administration
- Probate & Appointments: Review and approve petitions, applications for probate, and fiduciary appointment documents for court submission.
- Asset & Real Estate Management: Oversee the valuation, liquidation, and transfer of estate/trust assets, including complex real property deed transfers and state-required tax waivers.
- Tax & Fiduciary Accounting: Formulate and review formal and informal estate/trust accountings. Take primary responsibility for the preparation, review, and filing of NJ Inheritance Tax and PA Inheritance Tax returns.
Litigation & Guardianship Advocacy
- Pleadings & Motions: Draft, review, and file high-level legal documents, including verified complaints, certifications, affidavits, and Orders to Show Cause.
- Court Appearances: Represent clients in contested probate matters, fiduciary removal proceedings, beneficiary representation, and adult guardianship hearings.
- Trial Preparation: Lead trial strategy, direct document production/discovery, and present cases before probate and chancery courts.
- Electronic Filing: Manage and oversee electronic filings utilizing NJ eCourts and PA court portals.
Qualifications & Traits
- Licensure: Active member of the New Jersey State Bar (Dual NJ/PA licensure is highly preferred).
- Experience: Background in estate administration, litigation, guardianship, family law, or a related high-touch practice area is preferred.
- Practice Alignment: A strong preference for counseling-based advocacy and compassionate guidance for families navigating major life transitions.
- Soft Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to handle sensitive family dynamics with professionalism. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Position Details
- Full time
- In person at our Cherry Hill office
- Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Starting salary $92,000.00
Benefits
- Paid training, time off, and holidays.
- Competitive benefits package with 50% employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement plan with a 3% employer-match on employee contributions.
- Life insurance
Pay: From $92,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- To ensure this role is a great fit: does our 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in person work schedule and salary align with your goals and expectations?
Experience:
- preferred: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- NJ license and are you an active member of the state bar (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $92,000