Senior attorney
Estate Planning & Tax Planning
(4+ Years Experience)
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Trusts and Estates attorney who enjoys advising individuals and families on a range of estate-planning needs, solving complex planning challenges, and collaborating with a highly engaged team. The role includes comprehensive estate planning for individuals and families, as well as more sophisticated matters for high-net-worth clients.
The ideal candidate will have the experience and judgment to independently manage estate-planning matters while mentoring junior attorneys. A strong tax background and experience designing and implementing sophisticated estate and wealth-transfer strategies—including SLATs, GRATs, IDGTs, ILITs, family entities, charitable planning, and federal and state gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning—are valued but not required.
An existing book of business is not required.
Responsibilities
Advise clients on sophisticated estate and wealth-transfer strategies involving trusts, business entities, and other planning structures designed to preserve wealth, minimize taxation, and accomplish clients’ personal and family objectives.
Design and implement complex estate plans involving federal and state gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax considerations.
Draft and review advanced estate-planning documents, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, family limited partnerships, limited liability company agreements, and related instruments.
Counsel clients regarding charitable giving, business succession, asset-protection considerations, and cross-border or multi-jurisdictional planning matters.
Independently manage probate and administration proceedings, including the preparation and filing of petitions and supporting documents with the Surrogate’s Court.
Analyze existing estate plans and recommend appropriate modifications based on changes in clients’ families, finances, residency, business interests, or applicable law.
Collaborate with accountants, financial advisors, insurance professionals, valuation experts, corporate trustees, and attorneys in other jurisdictions to implement comprehensive planning strategies.
Mentor junior attorneys, review work product, and provide substantive guidance and professional development.
Help refine the firm’s drafting standards, internal systems, workflows, knowledge resources, and best practices.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and professional referral sources.
Stay current on developments in federal and state trust, estate, tax, and related laws.
Qualifications
J.D. from an accredited law school.
Admission to practice in New York and good standing with the bar.
At least four years of substantial experience handling sophisticated estate-planning matters.
Strong knowledge of federal and New York gift, estate, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex client matters from initial consultation through drafting, execution, and implementation.
Excellent drafting, analytical, research, issue-spotting, and client-counseling skills.
Admission to practice in New Jersey or Connecticut is a plus.
An LL.M. in Taxation or substantial advanced tax-planning experience is a plus.
What we're looking for
A genuine interest in sophisticated estate and tax planning.
Strong technical knowledge, analytical ability, and professional judgment.
Exceptional client-counseling skills and the ability to explain complicated legal and tax concepts clearly and practically.
A collaborative leadership style and a genuine interest in mentoring other attorneys.
A proactive, organized, and detail-oriented approach to managing matters and deadlines.
The ability to navigate sensitive family, financial, and interpersonal dynamics with confidence, discretion, and compassion.
An interest in contributing to the continued growth, development, and reputation of the firm.
Compensation & benefits
Expected salary range: $165,000–$300,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates with both a Tax LL.M. and meaningful practical estate and tax planning experience will be compensated at the higher end of the range, Performance-based bonuses available.
Benefits include 401(k) with employer match, health insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, professional dues, CLEs, licensing and malpractice coverage, birthday holiday, one paid volunteer day each month, Summer Fridays, generous PTO and holidays, and a hybrid work schedule.
Culture
At Fischer Harbage, we believe exceptional legal work is built on collaboration, technical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to client service. We do not operate under billable hour quotas, nor do we tracked billed hours for our attorneys. Our flat-fee planning model allows attorneys to focus on thoughtful, high-quality legal counsel while working collaboratively. Our attorneys are supported by experienced paralegals, dedicated administrative staff, modern technology, and established systems that minimize administrative burdens while encouraging mentorship and long-term professional growth.
To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your relevant trusts and estates experience.