Trusts + Estates Senior Associate
Warner Norcross + Judd
Posted on Jan 9, 2026
About the Position
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is seeking an associate to join our Trusts + Estates Practice Group in West Michigan. This position may be based in Holland, Grand Rapids, or Kalamazoo. The ideal candidate will have three to seven years of experience in estate planning, trust and estate settlement, and related tax and corporate matters. Candidates must have excellent research, writing, and communication skills and be licensed (or willing and able to become licensed) and in good standing to practice law in the state of Michigan.
About the Opportunity
Responsibilities:
• Develop comprehensive estate plans tailored to clients' specific needs and goals
• Advise clients regarding the tax implications of estate planning and the ability to minimize tax liabilities for clients through strategies like gift and estate tax planning
• Handle the probate process, including court proceedings, asset valuation, debt settlement, and distribution of assets
• Manage and administer trusts, ensuring they operate in compliance with applicable laws and the trust agreement
Qualifications:
• Strong foundation in estate planning, tax law, probate law, and trust law
• Experience helping high net worth families and individuals with their estate planning and management needs
• Estate and gift tax complex planning - CRUTS, SLATS, GRATS, FLPs, QPRTs, IDGTs, ILITs
• Experience in Succession planning, fiduciary accounting, will + trust contest, family settlement agreements, and tax preparation
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex legal concepts to clients in a clear and understandable manner
• Able to actively listen to client concerns and goals and then provide legal advice that aligns with their wishes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess complex financial and legal situations and devise appropriate solutions
• Precision in drafting legal documents to ensure they accurately reflect our client’s intentions and comply with relevant laws
• Handles sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and professionalism
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is seeking an associate to join our Trusts + Estates Practice Group in West Michigan. This position may be based in Holland, Grand Rapids, or Kalamazoo. The ideal candidate will have three to seven years of experience in estate planning, trust and estate settlement, and related tax and corporate matters. Candidates must have excellent research, writing, and communication skills and be licensed (or willing and able to become licensed) and in good standing to practice law in the state of Michigan.
About the Opportunity
Responsibilities:
• Develop comprehensive estate plans tailored to clients' specific needs and goals
• Advise clients regarding the tax implications of estate planning and the ability to minimize tax liabilities for clients through strategies like gift and estate tax planning
• Handle the probate process, including court proceedings, asset valuation, debt settlement, and distribution of assets
• Manage and administer trusts, ensuring they operate in compliance with applicable laws and the trust agreement
Qualifications:
• Strong foundation in estate planning, tax law, probate law, and trust law
• Experience helping high net worth families and individuals with their estate planning and management needs
• Estate and gift tax complex planning - CRUTS, SLATS, GRATS, FLPs, QPRTs, IDGTs, ILITs
• Experience in Succession planning, fiduciary accounting, will + trust contest, family settlement agreements, and tax preparation
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex legal concepts to clients in a clear and understandable manner
• Able to actively listen to client concerns and goals and then provide legal advice that aligns with their wishes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess complex financial and legal situations and devise appropriate solutions
• Precision in drafting legal documents to ensure they accurately reflect our client’s intentions and comply with relevant laws
• Handles sensitive and confidential information with the utmost discretion and professionalism
About You
• Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school
• Licensed or willing to become licensed and in good standing to practice law in the state of Michigan
• 3-7 years of experience in estate planning, trust and estate settlement, and related tax and corporate matters, preferably in a law firm setting
• Strong interest in building a book of business
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed
About WNJ
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd builds a better partnership with its clients. Warner is a full-service corporate law firm with 220+ attorneys practicing in nine offices throughout Michigan: Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb, Midland and Muskegon.
To learn more, visit www.wnj.com, follow us on Twitter @WNJLLP or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.
To learn more about the beautiful lakeshore community of Holland, visit https://hellowestmichigan.com/our-communities/hollandzeeland/.
About Our Benefits
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Firm-provided life insurance and disability coverage
• 401k with employer contribution or match depending on plan design
• Firm holidays
• Remote work flexibility
• Wellness program
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities
EEO Statement
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces. We are committed to building a firm that reflects the diversity of the clients and communities we serve. We can foster inclusion and equity by moving beyond barriers and rejecting stereotypes based on gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. The result is a high performing team of professionals providing excellent service to our clients.
How to Apply
We appreciate your interest in exploring career opportunities with Warner. To complete an application, click “Apply Now” and create a profile to continue.
Closing Statement
Warner hires top talent at every point in our organization. We are seeking dedicated professionals with diverse backgrounds who strive to support the firm and its goals. Our collegial culture attracts people with diverse skills and backgrounds who are dedicated to teamwork and client service.
About WNJ
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd builds a better partnership with its clients. Warner is a full-service corporate law firm with 220+ attorneys practicing in nine offices throughout Michigan: Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb, Midland and Muskegon.
To learn more, visit www.wnj.com, follow us on Twitter @WNJLLP or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.
To learn more about the beautiful lakeshore community of Holland, visit https://hellowestmichigan.com/our-communities/hollandzeeland/.
About Our Benefits
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Firm-provided life insurance and disability coverage
• 401k with employer contribution or match depending on plan design
• Firm holidays
• Remote work flexibility
• Wellness program
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities
EEO Statement
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces. We are committed to building a firm that reflects the diversity of the clients and communities we serve. We can foster inclusion and equity by moving beyond barriers and rejecting stereotypes based on gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. The result is a high performing team of professionals providing excellent service to our clients.
How to Apply
We appreciate your interest in exploring career opportunities with Warner. To complete an application, click “Apply Now” and create a profile to continue.
Closing Statement
Warner hires top talent at every point in our organization. We are seeking dedicated professionals with diverse backgrounds who strive to support the firm and its goals. Our collegial culture attracts people with diverse skills and backgrounds who are dedicated to teamwork and client service.
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