Associate Trust Counsel- Unique Assets

About the Role:

This position reports to Trust Counsel and is responsible for managing and monitoring all aspects of unique assets in client accounts. Unique assets can include real estate (residential and commercial), business entities, mineral interests, private equity, and other illiquid assets owned within Baird Trust accounts. This role also acts as liaison between Baird Trust and third-party vendors relating to unique assets. In addition to unique asset responsibilities, the Associate Trust Counsel also assists other members of the Trust Counsel office in supporting trust company associates.

The Impact You’ll Make:

• Review legal issues and collaborate with Trust Officers on irrevocable trust administration, including interpretation of trust and legal documents.

• Manage and oversee all aspects of unique asset administration, including acceptance, setup, custody, valuation, pricing, risk monitoring, and related workflows.

• Evaluate unique assets proposed for acceptance and serve as primary reviewer for transactions such as purchases, sales, transfers, leases, and appraisals.

• Prepare and monitor unique asset reports, address exceptions, and escalate outstanding issues as needed.

• Manage third‑party vendor relationships related to unique assets and participate in internal, external, and financial audits.

• Lead and mentor associates within the Unique Asset Group, providing coaching and professional development.

• Serve as a subject matter expert and technical resource for Baird Trust associates on unique asset administration, fiduciary controls, and risk management.

• Conduct internal training to ensure consistency in unique asset and trust administration practices.

• Participate in Administrative Review and other risk management committees.

• Provide legal, technical, and analytical support for trust and estate matters, including reviewing estate planning documents and account opening/closing materials to ensure policy compliance.

• Identify and communicate technical legal and tax matters to clients, trust associates, and financial advisors.

• Support the estate settlement team and participate in client meetings related to estate plans or trust services.

• Review income, gift, and estate tax returns relevant to trust clients.

• Prepare internal legal documents such as Release and Indemnification Agreements and Refunding Agreements.

• Provide trust administration solutions, estate planning strategies, and wealth transfer guidance in partnership with firm associates.

• Promote Baird Trust through advisor education, presentations, and consulting on estate planning content.

• Attend meetings or serve on boards related to closely held entities within trust accounts.

• Ensure adherence to Baird Trust policies and procedures for unique asset management.

• Participate in policy discussions, new initiatives, system implementations, and process improvements.

• Stay current on regulatory and fiduciary trends through industry trade organizations.

• Deliver proactive, ethical, and client‑focused service and make referrals to other firm areas when appropriate.

• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring to Baird:

• Experience with the analytical, operational, tax, and compliance aspects of unique assets including real estate transactions, purchasing, and selling/disposing properties/entities

• Knowledge and experience in fiduciary compliance and law related to unique assets

• Legal expertise in fiduciary and trust laws, with a deep understanding of regulatory compliance

• Knowledge and experience with drafting, interpreting, revising contracts, agreements, valuations, and deeds

• Experience overseeing real estate property maintenance

• Knowledge of principal and income accounting

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite of products (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Access)

Education/Previous Experience:

• Four (4) year undergraduate degree and a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree.

• 7+ years’ experience managing/overseeing unique assets (related to trust and estate administration a plus). 

Licenses/Certifications:

• Admitted to State Bar Association

• Professional certifications a plus (JD, CTFA, etc.)

Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.