What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Attorney position at Young Morphis Bach & Taylor, LLP?
Estate Planning & Estate Administration Associate (Experienced or Entry-Level)
Young, Morphis, Bach & Taylor, LLP
Hickory, North Carolina | Full-Time, In-Person
Young, Morphis, Bach & Taylor, LLP has provided legal counsel and advocacy to clients across western North Carolina for over 75 years. The firm’s associates work directly with experienced attorneys, receive meaningful responsibility early, and are encouraged to develop their own judgment and voice as attorneys. We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards while fostering a supportive environment where teamwork, accountability, and mutual respect are central to how we practice law. Our goal is to help attorneys build long-term, successful careers through hands-on experience, thoughtful guidance, and community involvement.
Young, Morphis, Bach & Taylor, LLP is currently seeking an associate attorney to join our estate planning and estate administration practice. We welcome applications from experienced attorneys as well as recent law school graduates who demonstrate strong attention to detail, excellent writing skills, and a desire to develop as an estate attorney through hands-on experience in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Position Overview
This position offers the opportunity to work on a wide range of estate planning and administration matters, including working closely with individuals and families to develop individualized estate plans, drafting tailored estate planning documents, estate tax mitigation planning for high net-worth clients, and managing probate and trust administration matters from initiation through closing. The associate will work closely with senior attorneys and receive meaningful responsibility and mentorship appropriate to experience level.
Anticipated Responsibilities
Depending on experience, responsibilities may include:
- Drafting estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advanced directives.
- Advising clients on personal and financial matters affecting estate planning objectives, including tax efficiency, asset protection, wealth transfer, business succession, special needs planning, and individual family considerations.
- Collaborating with financial advisors, accountants, insurance agents, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive estate plan that best serves the client.
- Assisting executors and trustees with fiduciary obligations and duties of administration by providing practical assistance in a hands-on manner.
- Identifying, valuing, and transferring probate assets while maintaining appropriate records of the same.
- Preparation of estate and trust inventories and accountings.
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in North Carolina or ability to obtain licensure promptly.
- Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while managing multiple priorities.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and ethical practice.
- 1-5 years’ experience in estate planning and/or estate administration preferred but not required—recent graduates encouraged to apply.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Mentorship and professional development opportunities.
- Exposure to a broad range of estate planning and administration matters.
- Opportunity for long-term growth within the firm, offering a career, not just a job.
If wanting to apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to careers@hickorylaw.com.