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McKean Smith LLC

Estate Planning Attorney at McKean Smith LLC

McKean Smith LLC Vancouver, Washington

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

McKean Smith is seeking a skilled and client-focused Estate Planning Attorney to join our team. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience handling a broad range of estate planning matters, including drafting wills and trusts, administering estates, and advising clients on tax-efficient strategies. This role requires a strong understanding of estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax laws, as well as exceptional interpersonal skills to build lasting client relationships.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Advise clients on all aspects of estate planning, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives

  • Draft comprehensive estate planning documents tailored to client needs and objectives

  • Conduct client consultations and collaborate on strategy for tax minimization, asset protection, and business succession

  • Handle trust and estate administration, including probate proceedings, trust funding, and related filings

  • Stay current on changes to federal and state estate, gift, and inheritance tax laws

  • Coordinate with financial advisors, accountants, and other professionals to implement planning strategies

  • Support clients with lifetime gifting strategies and charitable planning

  • Handle guardianship and conservatorship matters as needed

Qualifications:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

  • Active bar membership in Oregon and/or Washington

  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in estate planning and estate administration

  • Strong drafting and analytical skills with attention to detail

  • Knowledge of federal and state tax laws related to estates and trusts

  • Excellent client communication and relationship-building abilities

  • Ability to manage multiple client matters independently and efficiently

  • LL.M. in Taxation or CFP designation is a plus, but not required

Compensation & Benefits:
  • Competitive salary based on experience

  • Employer paid health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Retirement plan with employer contribution

  • Paid time off and flexible scheduling

  • Continuing legal education (CLE) support

  • Collaborative and supportive work environment

  • Firm issued laptop

  • At-home office setup assistance

  • Professional headshot

  • Hybrid working environment

  • Casual office dress code when not client-facing

Please submit a cover letter with your application.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Frequently required to stand
• Frequently required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Continually required to talk or hear
• Continually utilize visual acuity to operate equipment, read technical information, and/or use a keyboard
• Occasionally required to lift/push/carry items up to 50 pounds

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