Senior Associate Attorney - Estate & Elder Law
Location: Watchung, NJ
Position Type: Full-Time
Overview
A highly experienced boutique firm specializing exclusively in Estate and Elder Law is seeking a motivated Senior Associate Attorney to join their professional team. This role is designed for an advocate who is passionate about providing clients with peace of mind regarding their end-of-life wishes and fiercely advocating for the elderly and vulnerable.
The position offers a meaningful career path with advancement opportunities in an environment that balances professional competence with deep empathy for clients facing death and dying crises.
Summary of Job Duties & Responsibilities
· Estate Planning: Support the managing partner in drafting Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Directives. Advise on tax implications, Medicaid planning, and complex asset protection strategies (family partnerships/irrevocable trusts). Supervise signing ceremonies.
· Estate & Trust Administration: Assist fiduciaries through the administration process, including the preparation of fiduciary accounts, beneficiary relations, asset management/distribution, and interaction with the Surrogate court. Advise on Estate and Inheritance Tax Returns.
· Elder Law & Medicaid: Advise on Medicaid spend-downs and applications. Defend clients in fair hearings and advocate for those in home care or institutional settings.
· Litigation: Engage in legal contests involving wills, trusts, and guardianships/conservatorships.
· Team Leadership: Supervise paralegals and support staff to ensure efficient practice operations.
· Business Development: Grow a long-term client base through relationship building, networking, and active involvement in county bar associations.
Qualifications & Skills
· Education: J.D. Degree required. Additional licensure or education (LLM, MBA, or CPA) is considered a plus.
· Experience: Two or more years of relevant work experience; specific practice in estate and elder law is required.
· Legal Expertise: Proven experience in one or more areas: planning, administration, guardianship, Medicaid, or related litigation.
· Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to explain complex fee schedules and engagement processes to clients.
· Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and case management software (CLIO).
· Attributes: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and delegate tasks in a fast-paced environment.