Description
The Trusts and Estates Attorney will work closely with Markham Law Firm team to grow this new practice area. Preferred candidates will have a track record of exemplary work in the field of Trusts and Estates and be active in local professional organizations.
Key Responsibilities:
Draft estate planning documents (e.g., wills, trust agreements, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, deeds etc.).
Prepare probate filings (petitions for probate, inventories, accounts, inheritance tax returns and petitions for assorted relief).
Prepare various correspondence with clients, financial institutions, insurance companies, Register of Wills Offices, and government agencies.
Trust administration (i.e., prepare accountings, prepare, track, and pay trust expenses, track and pay trust distributions, facilitate the filing of trust tax returns).
Maintain client relationships by communicating (via email and telephone) often with clients and explaining complex legal concepts to them. Keep clients informed of the status of their case. at all times.
Organize online and paper files. Case status and task status are updated on Asana regularly.
Ability to work on and organize multiple matters at the same time.
Attend, lead and/or organize CLEs, bar association events, business development and networking functions with firm members and solo.
Prepare blog posts and assist in writing and researching articles.
Perform all other legal-related tasks as requested.
Train and supervise paralegals and law clerks on matters.
Participate and contribute actively to firm marketing and business development.
Requirements
JD from accredited law school
8+ years of estate planning/trust administration
Active member in good standing with the Maryland and D.C. bar (or ability to waive in a plus)
Possess a growth mindset personally and professionally.
Genuinely like working with people, with empathy and patience.
Demonstrate client relationship skills including the ability to lead in-person client meetings.
Embrace service-oriented problem solving, taking the initiative to act quickly and decisively when a client experiences a problem that requires a prompt solution.
Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills, including comfort and skill in speaking with clients and other professionals.
Possess the ability to understand that clients have different styles and needs and adapt accordingly.
Exercise sound judgment, high integrity, trustworthiness, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Critical attention to detail, the ability to manage a large case load, strong math skills and an understanding of basic estate and tax concepts.
Create the best version of work and carefully check before submission to make certain work is correct and free of typos (i.e., dates, places, relief requests, etc.).
Not be afraid to ask questions or to collaborate on finding a solution for a problem.
Interest in advancing knowledge of relevant law through taking on new challenges and regularly attending CLEs.
Being willing to step outside comfort zone to take on new challenges.
Promote the firm within their network, personally, virtually, and on social media, to lay foundation for business development.
