Estate Planning Associate Attorney

Job Title: Estate Planning Associate Attorney

Job Overview:
A prominent law firm based in Ann Arbor, MI, is seeking a dedicated associate attorney with 2-6 years of focused experience in estate, tax, and business succession planning. This role offers the chance to engage deeply with high-net-worth individuals, family-owned businesses, and multi-generational clients, delivering tailored legal strategies in a highly personalized practice area. The position blends transactional drafting, tax analysis, and trust administration responsibilities in a collegial, client-centered environment.

Duties:

• Draft a range of legal documents, including:

  • Revocable and irrevocable trusts

  • Wills and durable powers of attorney

  • Advanced estate planning instruments (e.g., GRATs, ILITs)

  • Prenuptial agreements

  • Corporate governance documents (e.g., operating agreements, buy-sell agreements)

• Guide clients through estate and trust administration processes

• Conduct legal research related to federal and state estate, gift, and income tax issues

• Advise clients on planning strategies for wealth transfer, charitable giving, and tax minimization

• Collaborate with internal teams on integrated planning matters for closely held businesses and family enterprises

Requirements:

• 2-6 years of relevant legal experience in estate and tax planning or related practice areas

• Active membership in the Michigan Bar

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

• High attention to detail and strong organizational habits

• Strong written and oral communication capabilities

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Certifications:

• State Bar of Michigan admission (required)

Skills:

• Legal drafting proficiency with estate and business planning documents

• Research and analytical skills in tax and probate-related areas

• Familiarity with trust and estate administration procedures

• Client counseling and interpersonal skills for high-touch service delivery

• Project management and multi-tasking capabilities in a dynamic legal setting

Job Location:

• Ann Arbor, MI

• A hybrid work structure is available

This established large firm based in Detroit with offices in several cities in Michigan serves clients in matters that include litigation, labor & employment, banking, intellectual property, tax, and environmental law. Its clients range from corporations, large and small, governmental entities, and individuals with substantial business and charitable interests. The firms environment is collegial, and lawyers seem to enjoy practicing law as well as each others company. Compensation at the firm is average.