Private Client Trust and Estates Associate

About the Opportunity

Miller Johnson's Private Client Trust & Estates practice is a longstanding and sophisticated practice with deep roots in West Michigan and a strong reputation for advising high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, families, business owners, and fiduciaries on complex estate planning and wealth preservation matters. Our attorneys serve as trusted advisors on issues involving multi-generational wealth transfer, business succession planning, charitable giving strategies, estate and gift tax planning, trust and estate administration, and asset protection.

As the firm continues to expand the reach of this highly regarded practice, we are seeking an Associate with three to four years of experience to join our team. This is an exceptional opportunity to work alongside experienced practitioners on sophisticated matters while building meaningful client relationships and developing deep substantive expertise in a highly specialized area of practice. The successful candidate will receive hands-on experience and mentorship while helping serve a diverse client base across our offices, with a primary presence in our Grand Rapids office.

The ideal candidate values collaboration, exceptional client service, intellectual curiosity, and practical problem solving. They are eager to continue developing their technical skills while contributing to a team-oriented environment focused on delivering outstanding results for clients.

Why Miller Johnson

What sets Miller Johnson apart is not just the work we do, but how we do it. Here, you will find meaningful work, strong collaboration, and a supportive culture where your contributions are valued, your growth is encouraged, and authenticity matters. Guided by integrity and candor, grit, a down-to-earth approach, commitment to excellence, and commitment to impact, we foster an environment where attorneys can grow thriving practices, deepen client relationships, contribute meaningfully to the firm's future, and build fulfilling careers.

What You'll Do

As an Associate of our Private Client team, you will:

• Advise high net worth individuals and families on estate planning matters designed to preserve wealth and protect their legacies.
• Assist in developing and implementing customized estate planning and wealth transfer strategies tailored to each client's goals and circumstances.
• Draft and review wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents.
• Support attorneys in counseling clients on business succession planning, charitable giving strategies, estate and gift tax planning, and asset protection matters.
• Guide clients through probate and trust administration matters with practical and thoughtful counsel.
• Conduct legal research and analysis related to trusts, estates, probate, and tax matters.
• Collaborate with attorneys across practice areas to deliver comprehensive legal solutions that address the full scope of clients' needs.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through responsive communication and exceptional service.
• Participate in business development and professional networking activities that support the continued growth of the practice.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, learning, and professional development within the team.

What You Bring

The successful candidate will bring a demonstrated commitment to exceptional client service, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to build a long-term career in private client services.

Qualifications include:

• Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school.
• Admission to the Michigan State Bar or eligibility to waive into Michigan.
• Three to four years of experience in trusts and estates, estate planning, probate, or closely related matters.
• Experience drafting estate planning documents and assisting with trust and estate administration.
• Exposure to estate and gift tax concepts and wealth transfer planning strategies preferred.
• Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Excellent judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to navigate sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
• A commitment to teamwork, professional growth, and delivering exceptional client service.

Our Commitment

At Miller Johnson, we are committed to creating an environment where talented individuals can do their best work and build meaningful careers. We value diverse perspectives, foster authentic relationships, and believe our collective success is strengthened by the unique experiences and contributions of our people.

Miller Johnson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.