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Estate Planning Associate Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our firm is seeking an Associate Attorney with 2+ years of experience in wills, trusts, probate, estate planning, and estate administration. What We're Looking For * Strong work ethic with a hands-on ...

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Our small-sized, busy law firm is located near Downtown Summerlin and is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented estate planning and/or probate Associate Attorney to join our legal team. The ideal ...

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ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY: ESTATE PLANNING & TRUST LAW: This is not a document-factory position. This is an invitation to join one of Northern California's most respected boutique estate planning practices ...

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Estate Planning Associate Attorney information

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$46K

$108.2K

$172.5K

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

As of Jun 9, 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 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 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 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.
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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:
What job categories do people searching Estate Planning Associate Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Estate Planning Associate Attorney jobs are:
Estate Planning Associate (3+ years experience)

Estate Planning Associate (3+ years experience)

MESSERLI KRAMER P.A.

Minneapolis, MN • Hybrid

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Estate Planning Associate Attorney  

LOCATION: Work between Minneapolis and St. Michael, MN offices (Hybrid position) 

POSITION DETAILS
 

WE ARE GROWING! We are looking for an Associate to join our firm to help support our seasoned Estate Planning Attorneys. We are seeking an experienced and client-focused Estate Planning Attorney to join our growing legal team. The ideal candidate will advise individuals, families, and business owners on a wide range of estate planning matters, including wills, trusts, probate avoidance strategies, asset protection, business succession planning, and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies. This position requires strong legal drafting skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build trusted relationships with clients. 


 Essential Functions and Duties:

  • Meet with clients to assess estate planning needs and develop customized estate plans. 
  • Draft and review estate planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and related documents. 
  • Advise clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax considerations. 
  • Develop asset protection and wealth preservation strategies. 
  • Assist business owners with succession planning and ownership transition matters. 
  • Counsel fiduciaries, trustees, personal representatives, and beneficiaries regarding estate and trust administration. 
  • Collaborate with financial advisors, accountants, insurance professionals, and other advisors to implement client objectives. 
  • Conduct legal research and remain current on changes in estate planning, tax, trust, and probate laws. 
  • Maintain accurate case files and documentation in accordance with firm policies. 
  • Participate in business development, networking, community involvement, and client relationship-building activities. 
  • Manage probate and estate administration matters from initial intake meeting to final distribution of the estate.

Education and Licensure

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school. 
  • Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the applicable jurisdiction. 

Experience

  • 3+  years of experience practicing estate planning, trust and estate administration, or a related area of law preferred. 
  • Experience drafting sophisticated estate planning documents and advising high-net-worth individuals is a plus. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of estate planning, trust administration, probate, and tax planning principles. 
  • Excellent legal writing, drafting, and analytical skills. 
  • Strong interpersonal and client counseling abilities. 
  • Ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and practical manner. 
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills. 
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and      staff. 
  • Proficiency with legal research tools and document management systems. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience  with advanced estate planning techniques, including irrevocable trusts, charitable planning, special needs trusts, and business succession planning. 
  • Existing  referral relationships or demonstrated business development experience. 
  • LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning (preferred but not required).

Compensation and Bonus Information

Base compensation will vary based on level of experience. Associate compensation range $95,000-$120,000. Associate Attorneys are also eligible for monthly source and annual discretionary bonus incentives based on performance.


Benefits

· Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

· HSA & FSA Accounts

· Employer Contribution to HSA if enrolled in High-Deductible Health Insurance plan.

· 401K, with 4% company contribution (after completion of 1 year of service)

· Paid time off 

· Paid company holidays

· Company Paid Basic Life Insurance

· Employee Assistance Program

· Annual Marketing & Business Development budget 

· Bar license and CLE reimbursements

· Cell phone reimbursement

· Gym reimbursement

· Hybrid Remote Schedule  


We conduct criminal background checks on all individuals offered employment. 


Applicants with a disability that need an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at 612.672.3600 or email recruiting@messerlikramer.com.


Messerli Kramer is fully committed to equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of Messerli Kramer to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, military status, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic orientation, physical or mental disability or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Work Environment and Physical Demands:

This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the responsibilities of the position, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the person in this position will encounter. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a professional, fast-paced office environment that may require additional hours to complete work. 

The physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. If an employee is unable to perform the essential functions of the position, Messerli Kramer will evaluate whether a reasonable accommodation can be made to enable the employee to perform the described essential functions of the position. Due to the nature of this office position, while performing the responsibilities of the position, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to manage or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision. 



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