
Job Description
Professional Trustee - Estate Administration
Varnum LLP a Michigan-based, full-service law firm with over 180 attorneys and six offices, is seeking a highly motivated Professional Estate Trustee to join our dynamic team in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This exciting opportunity offers a chance to work with a leading law firm and utilize your expertise to provide exceptional service to our clients. As the Professional Trustee in the Estate Planning Practice, you will play a critical role in managing and administering estates, ensuring that all assets are handled in accordance with clients' wishes and legal requirements. The Professional Trustee is responsible for acting in a fiduciary capacity to perform activities relative to the administration of trusts under the terms of the governing trust documents. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, this opportunity is for you.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee the management and administration of estates, including the distribution of assets, payment of debts and taxes, and management of estate property.
- Maintain effective communication with beneficiaries, attorneys, and other relevant parties to ensure all estate matters are handled efficiently and professionally.
- Review and interpret estate plans, trusts, and wills to ensure assets are managed and distributed in accordance with client’s wishes and legal requirements.
- Directing and coordinating activities relative to administering personal trusts, charitable trusts, agency accounts, ILTITs and some probate estates.
- Provide expert advice and guidance on estate plans, trusts, and related matters.
- Engaging in practice development, client expansion, and cross-serving to grow the internal and external referral sources.
- Working as part of a dynamic team, overseeing, and coordinating the services provided to clients; delegating and managing the work of staff; coaching and mentoring staff.
- Assist with filing of estate tax returns and other required legal documents.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping and the maintenance of confidential files.
- Attend court hearings and represent clients in legal proceedings as necessary.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in law, finance, or a related field required.
- Minimum of five years of experience in estate administration, trust administration, or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of probate laws, estate tax laws, and trust and estate administration procedures.
- Proficiency in financial management and accounting.
- Detail-oriented leader with strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- Actively advancing technical skills in the Trust industry.
- Experience in conflict resolution and mediating disputes.
- Familiarity with tax regulations affecting estate administration.
- Membership in professional organizations or relevant certifications is a plus.
- Ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy.
If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for estate administration and are eager to join a respected law firm, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.
Job ID: 244