Estate Planning Associate Attorney, 3+ Years Experience

Messerli Kramer, P.A.

. Meet with clients to assess estate planning needs and develop customized estate plans .

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeSt. Michael • Minnesota • United StatesMid-Level💰 $95,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law, with strong capabilities in drafting legal documents and advising high-net-worth clients. Proficient in collaborating with financial professionals and managing complex estate matters from inception to distribution.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris Doctor (J.D.) DegreeEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationLegal WritingClient Counseling

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Drafting WillsRevocable TrustsIrrevocable TrustsPowers Of AttorneyHealth Care DirectivesTax PlanningLegal ResearchDocument ManagementBusiness Succession PlanningAsset Protection Strategies

Soft Skills

Interpersonal AbilitiesAnalytical SkillsOrganizational SkillsTime ManagementCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Legal Research ToolsDocument Management Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Licensed To Practice LawLL.M. In TaxationLL.M. In Estate Planning

Industry Keywords

Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbate LawHigh-Net-Worth IndividualsFiduciariesTrusteesBeneficiariesSuccession PlanningWealth PreservationGift Tax Considerations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Meet with clients to assess estate planning needs and develop customized estate plans
Draft and review wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and related documents
Advise clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax considerations
Develop asset protection and wealth preservation strategies
Assist business owners with succession planning and ownership transition matters
Counsel fiduciaries, trustees, personal representatives, and beneficiaries regarding estate and trust administration
Collaborate with financial advisors, accountants, insurance professionals, and other advisors to implement client objectives
Conduct legal research and remain current on estate planning, tax, trust, and probate laws
Maintain accurate case files and documentation in accordance with firm policies
Participate in business development, networking, community involvement, and client relationship-building activities
Manage probate and estate administration matters from initial intake meeting to final distribution of the estate
Support seasoned Estate Planning Attorneys as part of the firm's growing legal team

Requirements

What you’ll need

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the applicable jurisdiction
3+ years of experience practicing estate planning, trust and estate administration, or a related area of law preferred
Experience drafting sophisticated estate planning documents and advising high-net-worth individuals is a plus
Strong knowledge of estate planning, trust administration, probate, and tax planning principles
Excellent legal writing, drafting, and analytical skills
Strong interpersonal and client counseling abilities
Ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and practical manner
Exceptional organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with attorneys and staff
Proficiency with legal research tools and document management systems
Experience with advanced estate planning techniques, including irrevocable trusts, charitable planning, special needs trusts, and business succession planning is preferred
Existing referral relationships or demonstrated business development experience is preferred
LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning is preferred but not required
Ability to pass a criminal background check
Ability to work in a professional, fast-paced office environment and occasionally work additional hours
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
HSA & FSA Accounts
Employer Contribution to HSA if enrolled in High-Deductible Health Insurance plan
401K, with 4% company contribution (after completion of 1 year of service)
Paid time off
Paid company holidays
Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Annual Marketing & Business Development budget
Bar license and CLE reimbursements
Cell phone reimbursement
Gym reimbursement
Hybrid Remote Schedule
Monthly source and annual discretionary bonus incentives based on performance