Trust & Estates Associate

Job Overview

A well-established law firm is seeking a Trusts & Estates Associate to join its respected Trust, Estate & Wealth Preservation practice in Naples, Florida. This role is designed for an experienced attorney with a strong background in sophisticated estate planning, wealth transfer strategies, and post-mortem administration. The ideal candidate will bring strong client management skills, technical knowledge, and a collaborative mindset to support a growing client base with complex estate planning needs.

Location

• Naples, Florida

Duties

• Provide legal counsel on estate and tax planning for high-net-worth individuals and families

• Draft complex estate planning documents, including:

  • GST-exempt trusts

  • Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs)

  • Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs)

  • Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs)

• Advise clients on multi-generational wealth transfer strategies

• Manage probate and trust administration, including post-mortem planning

• Prepare and/or review estate, gift, and fiduciary income tax returns (Forms 706, 709, and 1041)

• Maintain direct and independent client relationships

• Collaborate with attorneys and professionals across multiple practice areas

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in trusts and estates law

• Experience managing client relationships and estate planning matters independently

• Familiarity with complex estate planning instruments and techniques

• Strong understanding of tax planning strategies for high-net-worth clients

• Ability to handle post-death administration and related filings

• Commitment to delivering high-quality service in a fast-paced environment

Education

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

• Strong academic background preferred

Certifications

• Active membership in the Florida State Bar (required)

• LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning is a plus, but not required

Skills

• Excellent legal drafting and research skills

• Deep knowledge of federal and state tax laws related to estate and gift planning

• Strong interpersonal and client relationship skills

• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and locations

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management abilities

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience and responsibilities

• Bonus eligibility tied to individual and firm performance

• Comprehensive benefits package may include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Life and disability insurance

  • Continuing legal education and professional development resources

  • Hybrid work options and supportive firm culture

This small Florida office is part of a large national firm that offers a full array of legal services, helping businesses, governments and individuals find solutions to legal problems involved in entrepreneurial start-ups, tax, merger and acquisition, and other business practice areas. The client base includes international Fortune 500 companies and everything in between. Attorneys enjoy a friendly, relaxed work environment and receive market salaries.