Trusts and Estates Associate Attorney
Website Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP
Job Overview:
Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP traces its roots back to two of the oldest law firms in Cleveland, Ohio. We are proud to view our T&E practice as one of the largest in Northeast Ohio, if not the entire state. Our clients range from people of modest means to high net worth individuals and families, and they present a wide array of interesting and intellectually challenging projects for the 15 of us in our practice area. Seven of us are ACTEC Fellows, and many of us are actively engaged in various leadership, writing and speaking engagements, locally and nationally.
The Trusts and Estates Associate Attorney will provide legal services in estate planning, trust administration, tax compliance, and probate matters. This role involves working closely with clients to develop personalized estate plans, administering trusts and estates, and representing clients in probate proceedings. We seek candidates with sterling credentials and a sophisticated level of experience which is commensurate with their years out of law school. The ideal candidate will have experience in drafting estate planning documents, managing estate and trust administration, and handling related tax issues.
Key Responsibilities:
- Estate Planning:
- Meet with clients to discuss their estate planning goals and develop tailored estate plans to suit their needs.
- Draft and review wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and other estate planning documents.
- Advise clients on tax-efficient strategies for estate and wealth transfer planning.
- Stay up to date on changes in estate and tax laws to ensure compliance and recommend appropriate adjustments to client plans.
- Trust and Estate Administration:
- Assist executors and trustees in the administration of estates and trusts, including preparing inventories, asset valuations, and accountings.
- Oversee the distribution of trust and estate assets according to the terms of the governing documents.
- Prepare and file probate petitions and other related court filings.
- Work with beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and financial institutions to ensure proper administration and compliance with legal obligations.
- Tax and Compliance:
- Provide counsel on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax issues.
- Knowledge with the preparation of federal and state estate/inheritance tax returns, gift and GST tax returns, and fiduciary income tax returns a plus.
- Collaborate with tax professionals to ensure the accuracy of tax filings and implement tax planning strategies.
- Client Relations:
- Build and maintain relationships with clients, providing ongoing support and updates throughout the planning and administration process.
- Educate clients on the legal aspects of estate planning, trust creation, and estate administration.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by offering thoughtful solutions to complex family and financial dynamics.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Education:
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
- Must be licensed to practice in the state of Ohio
- Experience:
- 2-5 years of experience in trusts and estates law, including estate planning, probate, and trust administration.
- Experience with preparation of transfer tax returns a plus.
Email your resume and cover letter to:
Lisa Monihan at memonihan@sssb-law.com or 216-535-1017
Venera Ilievska at venera@sssb-law.com or 216-696-4200