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Our client is seeking an experienced Trusts & Estates/Tax Senior Associate or Partner to join our growing practice in Norfolk, VA The ideal candidate will bring deep technical knowledge, a client-first mindset, and the ability to expand and help lead a sophisticated trusts and estates platform, including estate planning, estate and trust administration, tax planning, and related fiduciary litigation support.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise high-net-worth individuals, families, fiduciaries, and closely held business owners on estate planning strategies, including tax-efficient wealth transfer, succession planning, and charitable planning.
- Draft and negotiate sophisticated estate planning documents (e.g., wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, directed trusts, SLATs/GRATs/QPRTs, ILITs, charitable vehicles) tailored to client objectives and evolving law.
- Provide counsel regarding fiduciary duties, trust administration, probate matters, and related disputes; partner with litigators as needed on contested estate/trust matters.
- Work collaboratively with corporate and real estate colleagues to deliver integrated planning solutions.
- Develop and grow a book of business; originate matters and deepen relationships with existing firm clients and referral sources (wealth advisors, CPAs, bankers, family businesses).
- Assist clients with tax planning and IRS and/or state tax controversies.
- Assist corporate attorneys with tax aspects of transactions and planning.
- Lead and mentor associates and paralegals; contribute to practice management and training.
- Stay current on federal and state tax law developments and proactively advise clients on planning opportunities and risk mitigation.
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in Virginia (or ability to waive in promptly).
- At least 5 to 10 years of substantial trusts and estates experience, including sophisticated estate planning and administration for high-net-worth clients.
- Experience counseling tax-exempt entities.
- Demonstrated ability to originate and grow business (a portable book preferred).
- Strong drafting skills and technical command of transfer tax planning and fiduciary income tax considerations.
- Excellent client counseling, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to translate complex concepts into practical guidance.
- Proven leadership skills and commitment to mentoring and developing junior attorneys.
- High level of professionalism, judgment, and discretion with confidential matters.
Preferred Qualifications
- LL.M. in Taxation and/or relevant professional designation(s) (e.g., CPA) a plus.
- Experience with closely held business planning, entity governance, and family wealth succession strategies.
- Experience advising fiduciaries and/or serving as outside general counsel to trust companies or financial institutions.
- Comfort with business development activities, speaking engagements, and publishing thought leadership.
- Experience in multistate planning and administration, including domicile planning and state estate/inheritance tax considerations.
- At least a partially portable book of business.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and bonus potential.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) plan
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
JOB ID: 177045
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Christopher Pabilonia