Trust & Estates Associate in Chicago

Job Description

Our boutique Chicago law firm is seeking an experienced Trust & Estates Attorney to join our sophisticated estate planning practice. This is an exceptional opportunity for a motivated attorney who values high-level work, direct client relationships, and a true commitment to work/life balance.

About Our Practice

We advise a diverse and sophisticated client base ranging from emerging wealth to ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families (approximately $0–$100MM+ in net worth). Our practice focuses on complex estate, gift, and income tax planning strategies, including:

• High-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth estate planning
• Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs)
• Sales to defective grantor trusts
• Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs)
• Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs)
• Family limited partnerships and freeze techniques
• Related tax compliance and planning
• Income tax reporting and preparation of federal estate tax returns

Position Overview

The ideal candidate will be comfortable handling matters from inception through completion, including client relationships, planning design, drafting, and implementation. Attorneys who enjoy autonomy, responsibility, and long-term client development will thrive in this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage trust and estate planning matters from start to finish
• Advise clients on sophisticated tax and wealth transfer strategies
• Draft and review complex estate planning documents
• Prepare or oversee federal estate tax returns and related filings
• Build and maintain strong client relationships
• Contribute to the firm’s collaborative, high-quality practice

Work Environment & Growth

• Billable requirement: 1,600 hours
• Work/life balance: A core value of the firm
• Additional compensation: All billable hours over 1,600 are paid at one-third of the attorney’s billing rate
• Equity partnership track: Opportunity to become an equity partner within a couple of years, based on performance
• Faster advancement possible depending on experience and demonstrated performance

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary
• 10% of collected billings
• Bonus tied to overall firm performance
• Firm-paid 100% of employee health insurance
• 401(k) contribution of 3% of base salary

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of prior experience in trust and estate planning
• Strong knowledge of complex wealth transfer and tax planning strategies
• Ability to manage client matters independently
• Excellent communication and drafting skills
• Licensed to practice in Illinois

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.