Estate Planning AttorneyEllis, Li & McKinstry PLLC

We are a well-established, full-service downtown law firm seeking an experienced Estate Planning Associate Attorney to join our community and help expand our trusts and estates practice.

The successful candidate will have at least two years’ estate planning experience, view the practice as a calling to serve others, and be comfortable working directly with individuals, families, business owners, charities, and professionals on a broad range of estate planning and related matters. This position offers the opportunity to develop a sophisticated practice working with experienced attorneys across complementary practice areas.

This is an opportunity for a committed professional who is called to build a long-term trusts and estates practice within a supportive community of attorneys. The successful candidate will have meaningful client exposure, increasing responsibility, and the potential for partnership, with access to experienced colleagues and the resources of full service firm.

· Counsel clients on estate planning, wealth transfer, asset protection, and related matters.

· Work directly with clients, financial advisors, CPAs, insurance professionals, and other advisors.

· Analyze complex family, financial, and business circumstances to develop practical planning solutions.

· Advise clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax considerations.

· Draft wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and related estate planning documents.

· Integrate business succession planning into business owners’ estate plans.

· Assist clients with trust funding, beneficiary designations, charitable giving, and plan implementation.

· Lead or assist with trust administration and probate matters.

· Collaborate with the firm’s business, real estate, litigation, and other practice groups.

· Manage deadlines, client communications, and files.

· Advance the firm’s mission through professional and business development and community service.

· J.D. from an accredited law school.

· At least two years estate planning experience.

· Active member in good standing of the Washington State Bar.

· Able to respect and serve diverse clients, including faith-based organizations and their supporters.

· Strong legal research, analytical, drafting, time management, and organizational skills.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including explaining complex legal concepts to clients.

· Proficiency with emerging legal technologies.

· Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.

· Client-service mindset focused on long-term relationships.

· Demonstrated commitment to community service.

Experience with estate and gift tax planning, business succession planning, or trust administration is essential. An LL.M. in taxation is welcome but not required.

The lawyers at ELM regard the practice of law as more than just a career. We believe that we share a special calling to serve our clients and our community in a unique way. As a firm and as individuals, we seek to lead balanced lives and support a number of charitable organizations with donations of time and money. Our lawyers truly enjoy working together and deeply value the long-term relationships with our clients and with one another. Nothing can replace the benefits of a long-term relationship with a small group of people who understand you, your business, and your values.