Trust & Estates Attorney

About the position

Woods Rogers is seeking a Trust and Estates Attorney to join its team in Norfolk, VA. This role focuses on advising clients on estate planning, asset protection, probate, and trust administration. The attorney will assist individuals and families in managing their estates and planning for asset transfer upon death, including drafting essential legal documents and providing counsel on various related matters.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review wills, trusts (revocable and irrevocable), durable powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and other estate planning documents.
• Tailor estate plans to address specific client needs, including asset protection, family governance, and charitable giving.
• Guide clients through the administration of trusts, including duties of trustees, managing trust assets and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
• Assist in the preparation of trust accountings, tax filings, and other necessary documentation.
• Advise clients on estate planning strategies to minimize taxes, avoid probate, and ensure proper asset distribution.
• Advise trustees on fiduciary duties and compliance with trust terms.
• Represent clients in probate proceedings, including the appointment of personal representatives, and facilitate the probate process in accordance with state laws.
• Prepare and file necessary documents with probate courts and Commissioner of Accounts' offices and handle any litigation related to estate disputes.
• Help clients navigate the distribution of assets according to a decedent's will or trust, ensuring all legal and tax requirements are met.
• Provide counsel on charitable giving strategies, including drafting charitable trusts, foundations and bequests.
• Advise clients on the tax benefits of charitable giving, including maximizing deductions and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.
• Handle or support litigation matters relating to trusts and estates, including contested wills, trust disputes, and claims of breach of fiduciary duty.
• Represent clients in disputes over estate administration, including actions against executors, trustees, or beneficiaries.
• Stay current on changes in laws, regulations, and trends affecting trusts and estates, including state-specific probate laws and federal tax policy.
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Admission to the state bar of Virginia.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in trust and estate planning, trust administration, probate law, or related fields.
• Experience with complex estate planning (including business succession, tax-efficient planning, and charitable planning) is preferred.
• Familiarity with estate and trust litigation.
• Strong knowledge of trust and estate law, including relevant tax codes, probate procedures, and asset protection strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts in a clear, understandable manner.
• Proficiency in legal research and utilizing relevant software tools (e.g., Trust administration platforms, MS Office Suite, Westlaw, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with clients and their family members, and other professionals (financial advisors, accountants, etc.).
• Empathy and discretion when dealing with sensitive family and financial matters.
• A client-focused, solutions-oriented mindset.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with complex estate planning (including business succession, tax-efficient planning, and charitable planning) is preferred.
• Familiarity with estate and trust litigation.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) + matching
• Paid Holidays
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance