What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?
An estate planning attorney helps clients plan for the transfer, management, and protection of their assets during life and after death. They draft legally binding documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to ensure that clients’ wishes are honored while minimizing tax liabilities and avoiding probate complications.
Estate planning attorneys often work closely with individuals, families, and business owners to create tailored strategies that align with financial goals, family dynamics, and applicable state and federal laws. Their work requires not only legal expertise but also a high level of empathy and discretion, as they navigate sensitive topics such as death, incapacity, and inheritance.
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Estate Planning Attorney Core Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and revise estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney
- Advise clients on strategies to reduce estate taxes and avoid probate
- Establish and administer trusts, including revocable, irrevocable, and charitable trusts
- Counsel clients on long-term care planning, guardianship, and elder law issues
- Represent clients during probate and trust administration proceedings
- Collaborate with financial advisors, accountants, and insurance professionals
- Research and interpret state and federal estate, gift, and tax laws
- Stay current on legal developments impacting estate planning and taxation
- Maintain accurate client records and case documentation
- Handle sensitive client information with discretion and confidentiality
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in estate, trust, and tax law
- Experience drafting complex legal documents
- Familiarity with probate procedures and court filings
- Ability to interpret and apply federal and state regulations
- Legal research and writing proficiency
Soft skills
- Strong interpersonal and client advisory skills
- Empathy and discretion in sensitive conversations
- Detail-oriented with high accuracy in legal documentation
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Ability to explain complex legal concepts in simple terms
Education
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
- Bachelor’s degree in pre-law, political science, business, or related field
Certifications
- Active bar membership in practicing state (required)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Trust and Estate Planner (CTEP), or LLM in Taxation are preferred for advanced estate planning roles
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–7+ years of experience in estate planning or probate law
- Background in elder law, family business succession, or charitable giving strategies
- Bilingual capabilities to support a diverse client base
- Experience using estate planning software or case management systems
National Average Salary
Estate planning attorney salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Estate Planning Attorney is:
$122,563
Sample Job Description Templates for Estate Planning Attorneys
Junior Estate Planning Attorney
Position Overview
The junior estate planning attorney provides foundational support in the preparation of wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents. Working under senior attorneys, this role is ideal for newly licensed professionals eager to build practical legal experience in client counseling and estate law.
Responsibilities
- Assist with drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives
- Conduct legal research on estate, tax, and probate law
- Support client intake and case file preparation
- Review asset inventories and beneficiary designations
- Attend client meetings with senior attorneys and assist in follow-up documentation
- Prepare probate court filings and administrative paperwork
Requirements
Hard skills
- Understanding of estate planning concepts and legal terminology
- Familiarity with legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis)
- Basic document drafting skills
- Competency in Microsoft Office and legal practice management software
Soft skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Willingness to learn and accept feedback
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Professionalism and client service mindset
Education
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Active state bar membership (or pending admission if newly graduated)
Associate Estate Planning Attorney
Position Overview
The associate estate planning attorney handles routine client matters and supports more complex estate planning and probate cases. This role requires independent drafting and client management skills while still working closely with senior counsel on high-value or nuanced cases.
Responsibilities
- Draft and review standard estate planning documents
- Meet with clients to gather information and explain estate planning options
- Conduct legal research and stay informed on tax law changes
- Assist with trust funding and beneficiary updates
- Support probate administration and represent clients in routine court proceedings
- Coordinate with financial advisors and tax professionals
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in estate and trust document preparation
- Knowledge of estate, gift, and generation-skipping tax concepts
- Understanding of probate processes and timelines
- Ability to use document automation and legal management tools
Soft skills
- Client-focused communication and relationship-building
- Ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines
- Critical thinking and judgment in advising clients
- Team collaboration across practice areas
Education
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
Certifications
- Active state bar membership
- LLM in Taxation or CFP certification preferred but not required
Senior Estate Planning Attorney
Position Overview
The senior estate planning attorney leads client engagements involving advanced estate strategies, high-net-worth planning, and intergenerational wealth transfers. This role includes mentoring junior staff, managing complex legal structures, and advising clients on tax minimization and legacy planning.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement sophisticated estate plans including GRATs, QTIPs, and charitable trusts
- Counsel high-net-worth individuals and business owners on estate and succession strategies
- Oversee probate and trust administration for large estates
- Lead client meetings and present estate recommendations
- Supervise junior attorneys and paralegals
- Coordinate with accountants, investment advisors, and insurance professionals
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in estate, trust, and gift tax law
- Experience with asset protection strategies and multi-generational planning
- Strong technical drafting and review capabilities
- Knowledge of family business succession planning
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentorship of junior legal staff
- High-level client advisory skills
- Sound judgment and ethical decision-making
- Presentation and negotiation abilities with external advisors
Education
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) required; LLM in Taxation strongly preferred
Certifications
- Active bar license
- CFP, CTEP, or similar credential strongly preferred
Trust and Estates Attorney
Position Overview
A trust and estates attorney focuses on structuring and administering trusts, preparing estate documents, and guiding clients through inheritance planning. This role requires deep legal expertise in estate law, tax planning, and fiduciary duties.
Responsibilities
- Draft wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and beneficiary designations
- Counsel trustees and beneficiaries on their rights and responsibilities
- Prepare and review estate and gift tax returns
- Handle trust administration, including accounting and distributions
- Collaborate with CPAs and investment managers for tax and investment strategy
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced knowledge of trust structures and tax implications
- Experience advising fiduciaries and interpreting trust instruments
- Proficiency in tax reporting for estates and trusts
- Familiarity with estate litigation and dispute resolution
Soft skills
- Ability to guide clients through emotionally charged decisions
- Ethical judgment in fiduciary matters
- Attention to legal detail and documentation integrity
- Diplomacy when managing family or beneficiary conflicts
Education
- J.D. from accredited law school; LLM in Taxation is a strong plus
Certifications
- Active state bar license
- Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) preferred
Probate Attorney
Position Overview
A probate attorney specializes in guiding clients through the legal process of administering an estate after someone passes away. This includes court filings, resolving disputes, validating wills, and helping distribute assets according to state law.
Responsibilities
- Represent executors, administrators, or heirs in probate proceedings
- File petitions, notices, and required court documents
- Validate wills and assist with intestate succession when no will exists
- Assist with estate tax filings, creditor claims, and property distribution
- Handle probate litigation, including will contests and breach of fiduciary duty claims
Requirements
Hard skills
- Detailed knowledge of probate laws and timelines
- Experience preparing court pleadings and appearing before probate judges
- Familiarity with estate tax calculations and final accounting
- Understanding of local filing requirements and procedural rules
Soft skills
- Empathy and patience during grief-related conversations
- Mediation and conflict resolution among beneficiaries
- Precision in documentation and recordkeeping
- Time management across multiple estate cases
Education
- J.D. required
- Additional training in litigation or estate dispute resolution preferred
Certifications
- Active bar license
- CTEP or related estate law certification preferred
Elder Law Attorney
Position Overview
An elder law attorney advises older adults and their families on legal matters related to aging, healthcare, guardianship, and long-term care planning. The role often combines estate planning with Medicaid strategy, elder abuse prevention, and conservatorship matters.
Responsibilities
- Draft powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and living wills
- Counsel on Medicaid eligibility, asset protection, and long-term care planning
- Assist with guardianship petitions and fiduciary appointments
- Address elder abuse claims and related litigation
- Advise families on special needs trusts and end-of-life planning
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of elder law, Medicaid planning, and incapacity issues
- Familiarity with guardianship laws and fiduciary responsibilities
- Experience coordinating with social workers, healthcare providers, and financial planners
- Ability to create estate plans that account for aging-related medical needs
Soft skills
- Compassionate, patient, and client-centered communication
- Cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse family dynamics
- Ability to explain complex legal matters to non-legal audiences
- Advocacy for vulnerable clients and their caregivers
Education
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) required
- Coursework or continuing education in elder law or health law is beneficial
Certifications
- Active state bar membership
- Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) recommended