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:

• Manage and oversee all aspects of unique asset administration, including asset acceptance, onboarding, custody, valuation, pricing, reporting, risk monitoring, and related operational workflows, ensuring compliance with Baird Trust policies, procedures, and fiduciary standards.

• Review and interpret trust, estate planning, and other legal documents; partner closely with Trust Officers on irrevocable trust administration and complex fiduciary, legal, and structural issues.

• Prepare, review, and monitor unique asset, fiduciary, and risk management reports; identify exceptions, investigate issues, and escalate unresolved matters through appropriate governance and risk management channels.

• Serve as a subject matter expert and technical resource for Baird Trust associates on unique asset administration, fiduciary controls, risk management practices, and closely held entities, including attending meetings or serving on boards related to trust-owned entities when required.

• Manage third-party vendor relationships related to unique assets, including appraisers, property managers, and other service providers; participate in internal, external, and financial audits as required.

• Lead, mentor, and develop associates within the Unique Asset Group by providing coaching, feedback, and professional development opportunities; conduct internal training to promote consistency and best practices in trust and unique asset administration.

• Participate in Administrative Review and other risk management committees, as well as policy discussions, new initiatives, system implementations, process improvements, and cross-functional special projects.

• Promote Baird Trust through advisor education, presentations, and consultation on estate planning and trust-related topics; deliver proactive, ethical, and client-focused service and make referrals to other firm areas when appropriate.

• Maintain current knowledge of regulatory, fiduciary, legal, and industry trends through ongoing education and participation in relevant professional and industry trade organizations.

What You’ll Bring to Baird:

• Legal expertise and experience in fiduciary and trust law related to unique assets; a strong understanding of regulatory compliance would be a plus

• 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.

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

• Experience as a people leader is a plus

Licenses/Certifications:

• Admitted to State Bar Association

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

#LI-TA1

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.