Job Title:
Estate Planning Attorney - Senior Associate or Counsel
Company: Newport Williams
Location: Manhattan, NY
Created: 2026-05-09
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Trusts & Estates Planning Senior Associate / Counsel Midtown Manhattan | Full-Time | Hybrid ConsideredA well-established, mid-size regional law firm is seeking a seasoned Trusts & Estates attorney to join its sophisticated Estate Planning practice in Midtown Manhattan. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced practitioner to step into a high-visibility role with a collegial team, a strong book of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, and a clear path for long-term growth.About the RoleThe Senior Associate / Counsel will work directly with partners and clients on complex estate planning matters for federally taxable estates, typically in excess of $15 million. The successful candidate will take a lead role in designing and implementing sophisticated wealth transfer strategies, drafting complex trust and estate planning instruments, and advising clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and implement advanced estate planning strategies for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, including Credit Shelter Trusts, GRATs, SLATs, IDGTs, QPRTs, ILITs, and dynasty trustsDraft wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and related estate planning documentsPrepare and review Federal (Form 706) and New York State estate tax returns, as well as gift tax returns (Form 709)Advise clients on estate, gift, and GST tax planning, including lifetime gifting strategies, valuation discounts, and intra-family transactionsCounsel fiduciaries on trust and estate administration mattersCollaborate with partners, accountants, financial advisors, and other outside professionals on integrated wealth planningMentor and supervise junior associates and paralegalsQualificationsJ.D. from an accredited law school; admission to the New York State Bar in good standingMinimum of 4-6 years of substantive Trusts & Estates experience at a reputable law firm, with a focus on sophisticated estate planningDemonstrated knowledge of advanced estate planning techniques (Credit Shelter Trusts, GRATs, SLATs, and similar vehicles) for federally taxable estatesHands-on experience preparing Federal and New York State estate tax returnsStrong technical drafting skills and a clear grasp of estate, gift, and GST tax conceptsExcellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain complex planning concepts to clientsLL.M. in Taxation a plus, but not requiredCompensation and BenefitsBase salary range of approximately $175,000 - $230,000, commensurate with experience, with flexibility for exceptionally qualified candidates. The total compensation package also includes performance, discretionary, and production/origination bonuses, in addition to a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and CLE/bar dues reimbursement).