Estate Planning Attorney

At Melone Hatley, PC, our Estate Planning Attorneys are compassionate advisors and strategic problem-solvers who guide clients through the creation of thoughtful and comprehensive estate plans. This role involves proactive client consultation, customized plan drafting, and a deep understanding of estate, trust, tax, and asset protection strategies. You will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of estate planning matters while contributing to the growth and excellence of our legal team.

By living out our Core Values—Professionalism, Accountability, Respect, Teamwork, Nurture Empathy, Empower, and Raise the Bar (PARTNER)—you’ll play a critical role in providing peace of mind to families while supporting a culture rooted in collaboration, integrity, and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Initial Client Consultations & Strategy:

• Lead paid strategy sessions with prospective clients to assess their goals and recommend tailored estate planning solutions.
• Educate clients on estate planning instruments such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives with professionalism and empathy.
• Set clear expectations during the consultation, promoting transparency and client empowerment from the start.

Plan Development & Execution:

• Draft and oversee execution of customized estate planning documents, aligning with the client’s unique needs and financial circumstances.
• Collaborate with financial advisors, tax professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to client planning.
• Uphold accountability by ensuring legal documents are completed accurately and efficiently, with strict adherence to timelines.

Client Relationship Management:

• Maintain respectful, proactive, and timely communication with clients through every stage of their planning process.
• Demonstrate empathy in addressing sensitive topics such as incapacity, end-of-life care, and family dynamics.
• Return all client calls and emails the same day to foster trust and dependability.

Compliance & Quality Assurance:

• Stay current on state and federal laws related to estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxation.
• Ensure compliance with firm protocols and ethical standards, always raising the bar for client service and legal excellence.
• Conduct periodic reviews of existing client plans, offering updates as life or law changes.Team

Collaboration & Firm Growth:

• Actively participate in firm-wide meetings, strategy sessions, and Melone Hatley University (MHU) training events.
• Share knowledge and support fellow team members to promote a cohesive and respectful work environment.
• Empower peers and staff by mentoring, providing feedback, and engaging in continuous learning opportunities.

Performance Expectations:

• Maintain high standards of professionalism and responsiveness with clients and team members alike.
• Drive estate planning cases forward proactively, avoiding delays and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Contribute to a culture of respect, support, and continuous improvement by embodying our PARTNER values in every interaction.