Trust and Estate Chicago

A nationwide and internationally recognized boutique law practice, known for being one of the premier private-client law firms in the world, is based in downtown Chicago and focuses on business & corporate law, private-client trusts & estates and taxation, nonprofits, entertainment and sports law. It serves primarily affluent families, family offices and privately held companies. As part of its growth, the practice is seeking to hire an experienced, motivated Trust & Estates Associate to join the team.

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will have strong skills within the trusts and estates practice area, including gift and estate tax planning. Candidates should possess superior communication, drafting, writing and research skills along with excellent analytical and critical-thinking abilities. Prior law-firm experience is required.

Required Skills / Abilities

• Detail-oriented; strong work-organization skills; ability to work and problem-solve independently.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office—specifically Excel, Word, Outlook.

• Solid verbal and written communication skills.

• High level of professionalism; ability to act with discretion and tact.

• Ability to maintain organized electronic and paper records and produce reports in a timely manner.

• Ability to manage numerous projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to be flexible and work extended hours during peak periods.

Key Responsibilities & Qualifications

• Experienced estate-planning lawyer with broad experience, including complex estate, tax, wealth and business-succession planning.

• Primary areas include estate and tax planning for mid- to high-net-worth individuals and families: income tax, transfer tax and charitable planning, as well as pass-through entity (LLCs and LPs) and business succession planning.

• Drafting of both basic and sophisticated estate-planning documents—including income and estate tax planning documents, irrevocable trusts and business-planning documents.

• Counseling fiduciaries in estate and trust settlement and administration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or tax.

• J.D.; law-review experience preferred.

• LL.M./CPA in tax preferred but not required.

• Minimum 4 to 7 years’ experience in a similar position or law firm or direct estate-planning experience.

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, research, written and oral communication skills.

• Self-starter, detail-oriented.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Admission to the Illinois Bar.

• Demonstrated client-relationship skills—including ability to participate in in-person and virtual client meetings.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications.

• Discretionary annual bonus.

• Generous employee benefits including:

  1. PPO/HMO or HSA options.

  2. Dental/Vision/Life/STD/LTD/PTO/Holidays.

  3. 401(k) with employer match up to 5%.

  4. Company-sponsored events.

  5. Hybrid position after 60-90 days of employment.

  6. Use of building health club and tenant lounge.

  7. Employee lounge with provided coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks.

Confidential Application Process

If interested, please contact Chelsey Haibeck at chelsey.haibeck@gogpac.com or 605-501-4307. All inquiries will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.