Associate Attorney

My client is seeking an Associate Attorney to join their growing legal team with a primary focus on probate and estate administration, along with meaningful involvement in trust administration and foundational estate planning.

This opportunity is ideal for an attorney who enjoys managing matters from intake through closing, working directly with clients and courts, and collaborating closely with paralegals and legal support staff in a team-oriented environment. The firm offers a professional yet supportive culture where attorneys are encouraged to develop substantive expertise and long-term career growth.

Key Responsibilities

Probate & Estate Administration

• Manage probate and estate administration matters from initial intake through final closing, including both testate and intestate estates.
• Prepare and file probate court documents, including:
  • Applications
  • Inventories
  • Accountings
  • Closing filings
• Attend probate court hearings and communicate with court personnel as needed.
• Coordinate and supervise estate administration workflow with paralegals and legal support staff.
• Maintain proactive communication with executors, administrators, beneficiaries, and related parties throughout the administration process.
• Identify and appropriately escalate complex issues, including contested matters, creditor disputes, and fiduciary concerns.

Trust Administration

• Serve as the primary coordinator for trust settlement and ongoing trust administration matters.
• Work collaboratively with attorneys and support staff to ensure timely and organized trust administration.
• Handle substantive trust administration responsibilities, including:
  • Trustee correspondence
  • Accountings
  • Distribution memoranda
  • Notice requirements
• Monitor open trust matters and identify issues requiring attorney attention.

Estate Planning

• Conduct client intake and estate plan review meetings under attorney supervision.
• Draft foundational estate planning documents, including:
  • Wills
  • Revocable trusts
  • Durable powers of attorney
  • Advance directives
• Assist with trust funding coordination, including asset transfers and beneficiary designation updates.
• Support the continued growth of the estate planning practice.

Qualifications

• Active Ohio Bar admission required. Candidates awaiting bar results may be considered in select circumstances.
• 2+ years of experience in probate, estate administration, or trusts & estates preferred.
• Experience handling Ohio probate court filings and hearings strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal matters clearly and professionally to clients.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort learning firm-specific legal software and systems.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a strong attention to detail and client service.

Why This Opportunity?

• Substantive hands-on legal work
• Direct client interaction
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Opportunity to continue building expertise in probate, trusts, and estate planning
• Long-term professional growth potential