Trust Associate

Job Title: Associate Attorney – Estate Planning & Administration

Locations: Erie, PA | Pittsburgh, PA (On-site) Experience: 2 Years

About Our Client

Our client is a regional leader in providing sophisticated legal solutions. Our Estate Planning & Administration Group possesses the diverse knowledge necessary to create everything from basic wills to the most complex business succession plans. We pride ourselves on a team-based approach, supported by the largest staff of estate administration paralegals in the region, boasting over 100 years of combined experience.

The Role

We are seeking a motivated Associate Attorney with at least 2 years of experience to join our premier Estate Planning & Administration Group. The successful candidate will work closely with shareholders and our dedicated paralegal team to develop strategies that maximize asset protection and wealth preservation for a diverse client base.

You will be involved in the full spectrum of the practice, from listening to clients' personal desires and family needs to executing sophisticated plans at the lowest possible tax cost.

Key Responsibilities

• Estate Planning: Draft and review basic and complex documents, including simple wills, durable powers of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney, and living wills.
• Complex Strategies: Develop and implement advanced planning tools such as GRATs, GRUTs, Special Needs Trusts, and IRA trust planning.
• Business Succession: Assist in the transfer of family businesses using the MaxProtect Plan®, Family Private Equity models, buy/sell agreements, and various corporate entities (LLCs, LPs, etc.).
• Estate Administration: Work alongside our extensive paralegal team to navigate the probate process and administer estates efficiently.
• Disability & Medicaid Planning: Advise clients on nursing home/medical assistance asset protection and income-only trusts.
• Collaboration: Consult with CPAs, corporate fiduciaries, insurance consultants, and investment advisers to ensure comprehensive solutions for each client.

Qualifications

• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Licensure: Active member of the Pennsylvania Bar (in good standing).
• Experience: Approximately 2 years of experience specifically in estate planning, tax law, or elder law.
• Skills: * Strong drafting skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to explain complex tax and legal concepts to clients clearly.
• A collaborative mindset to work within a large, multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to the highest level of client service and confidentiality.

Compensation & Benefits

• Erie, PA Base Salary: $85,000 – $125K (commensurate with experience).

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Why Join?

By joining our firm, you will have the opportunity to work on sophisticated multigenerational estate plans and high-level business successions while being supported by a deep bench of experienced paralegals and administrative staff. Whether you are based in our historic Erie headquarters or our Pittsburgh office, you will be part of a firm that values thoroughness, innovation, and community.