Senior Tax and Estate Planning Attorney

Job Overview

A law firm seeks a Senior Tax and Estate Planning Attorney in Chicago, IL. This role involves expanding income tax capabilities and collaborating with estate planning and corporate/M&A teams to support business owners through various stages of business operations and succession planning.

Duties

• Advise on Subchapter C, K, J, and S matters, including entity classification and distribution planning.
• Develop estate planning strategies involving life insurance and split-dollar arrangements.
• Structure M&A transactions with a focus on tax efficiency.
• Execute and advise on 1031 exchanges and 1202 planning.
• Support 409A and executive compensation structures for closely held businesses.
• Coordinate income tax planning with gift/estate tax strategies and trusts.
• Collaborate with estate planning attorneys for seamless wealth transfer outcomes.
• Serve as an internal resource for income tax questions across the firm.
• Work with external advisors to deliver holistic solutions.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active Illinois Bar license in good standing.
• CPA and/or LLM in Tax preferred.
• 5-7+ years of substantive tax experience in private client and closely held business contexts.
• Proficiency in Subchapter C, K, J, and S, 1031, 1202, and choice-of-entity analysis.
• Experience with income and partnership tax advisory for operating businesses.
• Strong research, drafting, and client communication skills.

Education

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

Certifications

• Active Illinois Bar license.
• CPA and/or LLM in Tax preferred.

Skills

• Creative problem-solving and practical client advice translation.
• Broad technical range with issue-spotting judgment.
• Collaborative working style and team-first mindset.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including personal time off, firm-paid holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).