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Estate Planner Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Paralegal provides substantive legal support to estate planning, as well as trust and probate administration attorneys. This role requires initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to manage ...

Paralegal

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Build real‑world legal skills by collaborating with experienced attorneys in probate, estate planning, real estate, and additional office practice areas. This position is ideal for someone who ...

Paralegal

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Build real-world legal skills by collaborating with experienced attorneys in probate, estate planning, real estate, and additional office practice areas. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys ...

Paralegal

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Build realworld legal skills by collaborating with experienced attorneys in probate, estate planning, real estate, and additional office practice areas. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys ...

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Estate Planner information

What is an estate planner?

An estate planner handles the assets, insurance, and financial matters for a person with a family, in the event of their death. Upon the client’s passing, you oversee all of the affairs to ensure the assets are distributed as intended and the family meets the healthcare or burial wishes. Experience in financial planning is vital, as well as strong communication skills and legal knowledge. An individual seeks out the help of an estate planner while they are still healthy or mentally capable of making financial decisions. You then help them understand what their family will go through when it comes to tax matters, life insurance claims, probate, or trust funds after their passing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an estate planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Estate Planner, you need a solid understanding of estate law, tax regulations, and financial planning, typically supported by a law degree or relevant certifications such as CFP or CTFA. Familiarity with estate planning software, legal document drafting tools, and tax preparation systems is common in this field. Excellent interpersonal skills, discretion, and strong communication are crucial for building client trust and navigating sensitive family and financial matters. These skills ensure the creation of effective, compliant estate plans that protect client interests and foster long-term relationships.

What are some common challenges faced by estate planners when working with clients?

Estate planners often encounter challenges such as navigating complex family dynamics, keeping up with frequently changing tax laws, and ensuring that clients' wishes are accurately documented and legally enforceable. Additionally, they must communicate complex legal concepts in a way that clients can easily understand, and coordinate with other professionals like accountants and financial advisors to create comprehensive plans. Building trust with clients and maintaining confidentiality are also crucial aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Estate Planner vs Financial Advisor?

AspectEstate PlannerFinancial Advisor
CredentialsLegal or estate planning certifications (e.g., CFP, JD)Financial planning certifications (e.g., CFP, ChFC)
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, estate planning firms, or independent practiceFinancial institutions, advisory firms, or independent
Industry UsageFocuses on estate and succession planningFocuses on investment, retirement, and wealth management

While both Estate Planners and Financial Advisors help clients manage their wealth, Estate Planners specialize in estate and succession planning, often with legal expertise, whereas Financial Advisors focus on investment strategies and financial growth. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their specific needs.

Is estate planning in demand?

Estate planning is a growing field as aging populations and increasing wealth drive demand for estate planners. Professionals in this role need strong legal, financial, and interpersonal skills, often requiring certification or licensing. The job outlook remains positive due to ongoing need for estate management and succession planning services.

What degree do you need to be an estate planner?

Estate planners typically hold a bachelor's degree in fields such as law, finance, accounting, or estate planning. Many also pursue advanced certifications like the Certified Estate Planner (CEP) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to enhance their expertise and credibility in the field.

What does an estate planner do?

An estate planner helps clients organize and prepare their assets for transfer after death through legal documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. They analyze financial situations, advise on estate strategies, and ensure legal compliance, often working with attorneys and financial advisors. Certification and knowledge of estate laws are important for this role.

What job categories do people searching Estate Planner jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Estate Planner jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Estate Planner jobs in IA?

For Estate Planner jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Estate Planner job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Estate Planning Attorney

Shuttleworth & Ingersoll PLC

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

*Estate Planning Attorney*
Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, PLC seeks an attorney with at least three years of law firm or equivalent experience to support the firm’s estate planning practice, including estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Candidates should have a strong understanding of Iowa estate and tax law, excellent communication skills, and a client-focused approach. Candidates should have a background in advising clients on estate planning strategies, drafting and reviewing estate planning documents, and representing clients in probate and trust administration matters. Candidates will also be required to collaborate with other attorneys on complex estate, tax, or business succession matters and maintain and grow client relationships. Candidates should possess excellent academic credentials, and have strong writing, analytical, organizational, leadership and communication skills.
*Lateral Attorneys*
Our lateral attorneys can expect to be challenged with a wide variety of sophisticated legal projects. As a collaborative firm, our attorneys find great satisfaction from being an extremely valuable part of a hardworking, close-knit team.
We pride ourselves on having a positive, upbeat working environment for attorneys and staff. Our firm strongly encourages open communication between each of the partners and associates. We believe this open communication gives lateral attorneys a wonderful opportunity to learn from the many experienced attorneys at Shuttleworth & Ingersoll.
Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, PLC is actively accepting inquiries from experienced attorneys (mid-level associates through partner level) looking to relocate and/or grow and expand their practice in a positive and collaborative legal atmosphere. With office locations in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo/Cedar Falls, and Iowa City/Coralville, Shuttleworth is deepening its presence across the state and welcomes applicants looking to practice primarily in the Cedar Valley, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City regions.
As a full-service law firm, Shuttleworth provides lateral attorneys with the resources to serve all facets of their client’s legal requirements, while also providing exceptional opportunities and structure for continued business development.
To express interest, please contact Vince Geis or Brian Bergstrom. _All inquiries will be kept confidential._
*Vince Geis or Brian Bergstrom*
235 6th Street SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
* 401(k)
* Dental insurance
* Health insurance
* Vision insurance
Work Location: In person