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Estate Planning Associate Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Estate Planning Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$120K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're currently looking to welcome an experienced Estate Planning Associate Attorney to our growing team. Why join us? ----- Competitive salary and incentive structure Full benefits: medical, dental ...

Estate Planning Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

  • PTO

Drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney and other related estate planning documents. * Gift and estate tax planning for high-net worth individuals and families. * Trust and estate ...

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Estate Planning Associate Attorney information

See salary details

$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

How much do estate planning associate attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for estate planning associate attorney in the United States is $108,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an estate planning associate attorney do?

An Estate Planning Associate Attorney assists clients in preparing legal documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives to manage their assets and wishes in the event of death or incapacity. They provide legal advice tailored to each client’s unique family and financial situation, ensuring that estate plans comply with state and federal laws. Additionally, they may help with probate proceedings and work to minimize tax liabilities and potential disputes among heirs.

What are some common challenges faced by estate planning associate attorneys when working with clients on complex family or business structures?

Estate Planning Associate Attorneys often encounter challenges when clients have blended families, multiple marriages, or closely held businesses, as these situations can complicate the distribution of assets and tax planning. Navigating sensitive family dynamics while ensuring compliance with evolving laws requires strong communication skills and attention to detail. Additionally, coordinating with accountants, financial advisors, and senior attorneys to develop comprehensive plans is crucial for addressing unique client needs. Staying current with state and federal regulations is also essential to provide effective counsel.

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

To thrive as an Estate Planning Associate Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, state bar admission, and a solid understanding of trusts, wills, tax law, and probate procedures. Familiarity with legal research tools (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), estate planning software, and document management systems is commonly required. Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly set top performers apart. These skills ensure clients’ wishes are accurately documented, legal compliance is maintained, and client relationships are built on trust and clarity.

What is the difference between Estate Planning Associate Attorney vs Estate Planning Paralegal?

AspectEstate Planning Associate AttorneyEstate Planning Paralegal
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), State Bar AdmissionAssociate's or Bachelor's degree, paralegal certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, estate planning firmsLaw firms, legal support teams, estate planning offices
Job ResponsibilitiesDrafting legal documents, advising clients, legal research, court filingsPreparing documents, client communication, legal research support
Industry UsagePrimary legal role in estate planningSupport role assisting attorneys in estate planning tasks

While both roles support estate planning, the Estate Planning Associate Attorney holds a law degree and can provide legal advice and represent clients, whereas the estate planning paralegal assists attorneys with document preparation and research without providing legal counsel.

What cities are hiring for Estate Planning Associate Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Estate Planning Associate Attorney job openings:

What states have the most Estate Planning Associate Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Estate Planning Associate Attorney jobs include:

Infographic showing various Estate Planning Associate Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,160 per year, or $52 per hour.

Trust & Estate Planning Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Tampa, FL • On-site

$225K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Trust & Estate Planning Associate Attorney – Tampa, Florida

Direct Counsel is seeking a Trust & Estate Planning Associate Attorney to join a highly respected Am Law firm in its Tampa office.

This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 1–3 years of experience in trust and estate planning, or a candidate who has recently completed an LL.M. in Taxation, with a focus on estate planning and related tax matters. The successful candidate will join a sophisticated estate planning practice advising high-net-worth individuals, families, businesses, and charitable organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Draft complex estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, and related instruments.

  • Advise clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning strategies.

  • Assist with estate and trust administration matters.

  • Support business succession planning for high-net-worth individuals and family-owned businesses.

  • Prepare federal gift and estate tax returns.

  • Assist with probate proceedings for both taxable and non-taxable estates.

  • Draft charitable giving and tax-exempt organization planning documents.

  • Provide ongoing counseling to individuals and entities regarding wealth transfer and preservation strategies.

  • Collaborate with attorneys across the firm on sophisticated tax and estate planning matters.

Qualifications:

  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

  • LL.M. in Taxation or 1–3 years of relevant trust and estate planning experience.

  • Active membership and good standing with the Florida Bar.

  • Experience drafting estate planning and related tax documents strongly preferred.

  • Familiarity with estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax issues.

  • Strong legal drafting, research, and analytical skills.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and client-service orientation.

  • Ability to manage multiple matters in a detail-oriented, deadline-driven environment.

  • Outstanding academic credentials.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a nationally recognized estate planning practice that provides sophisticated tax, trust, and wealth management counsel to a diverse client base. Attorneys in this group benefit from meaningful client interaction, hands-on experience with complex planning matters, and a collaborative environment that supports long-term professional development.

Compensation: $225,000 – $260,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), disability and life insurance, adoption assistance, and dependent care support.