Senior Legal Counsel

Northern Trust

. Review and analyze wills and trust agreements when the bank is named to serve in a fiduciary capacity .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $160,100 - $272,300 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive knowledge in Trust and Estate Law, with strong analytical skills for reviewing legal documents and providing sound legal advice. Capable of managing complex fiduciary matters and developing effective solutions while maintaining compliance and risk management.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Trust And Estate Law ExpertiseJ.D. LicenseAnalytical SkillsDrafting And Negotiation SkillsExperience In Trust Administration

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Trust Document ReviewEstate Settlement AnalysisFiduciary Risk AssessmentWills And Trusts DraftingLegal ComplianceTrust ModificationsEstate Tax KnowledgeGuardianship LawInternational Trust MattersTransfer Tax Rules

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsDecision-Making AbilityMultitaskingRelationship DevelopmentEducational Presentation Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Licensed To Practice Law In DelawareLicensed To Practice Law In FloridaLicensed To Practice Law In IllinoisLicensed To Practice Law In Texas

Industry Keywords

Fiduciary CapacityWealth ManagementLegal RiskEstate AdministrationTrust LitigationBar MeetingsClient ConferencesTrust CounselCorporate CapacityNon-U.S. Trust Matters

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Review and analyze wills and trust agreements when the bank is named to serve in a fiduciary capacity
Review and analyze postnuptial agreements, disclaimers, settlement agreements, decanting documents, consents, waivers and other legal documents
Provide legal advice to internal partners on trust, estate and fiduciary matters
Advise Wealth Management management and business partners on trust documents, estate settlements, trust real estate, homestead issues, litigation and complex fiduciary legal issues
Provide legal advice on ongoing trust and estate administration matters
Analyze proposals to modify or terminate trusts and assess legal risk
Work with the Chief Fiduciary Officer and partners on trust modifications and terminations
Advise committees on legal risk and compliance issues
Oversee and monitor trust and estate litigation
Work with internal and external litigation teams when the bank is sued in its corporate capacity
Review resignations and removals and sign off on distribution memoranda for account terminations
Promote the bank by attending and speaking at industry and client conferences
Give educational presentations to Wealth Management partners
Participate in local and state Bar meetings
Report to Trust Counsel within the Wealth Management – Trust & Advisory practice group

Requirements

What you’ll need

Attorney with broad experience in trusts, estates, guardianships and transfer taxes
Knowledge of trust and estate law and estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax rules
Strong analytical skills for reviewing wills, trusts and fiduciary documents
J.D. license required
Excellent communication skills
Very high level of trust and estate knowledge and broad experience in trusts, estates, guardianships and transfer taxes
Ability to independently handle a wide range of trust and fiduciary matters using high-quality legal analysis and practical judgment
Ability to identify risks and develop appropriate solutions
Ability to make important decisions quickly and independently
Ability to multitask and handle many matters simultaneously
Ability to respond within short deadlines
Ability to work closely with Legal and business partners
Ability to develop relationships with outside counsel
Good drafting and negotiation skills
Knowledge and experience of non-U.S. international trust and fiduciary matters, estate tax and other relevant experience is a plus
At least 10 years of experience in a major law firm or in-house trust and estate practice
Licensed to practice law in Delaware, Florida, Illinois or Texas
Must be in good standing with the applicable State Bar
Experience drafting and administering wills and trusts is essential
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future employment-based visa sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

Retirement benefits (401k and pension)
Health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability)
Paid time off
Parental and caregiver leave
Life and accident insurance
Other voluntary and well-being benefits
Discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component
Flexible and collaborative work culture
Inclusive workplace
Reasonable accommodation and workplace adjustments for individuals with health conditions and disabilities