Trusts & Estates Attorney

Markham Law Firm, a growing family law and award-winning firm with offices in Bethesda, MD and Washington, DC, is currently seeking a Trusts & Estates attorney to join our talented team. This is an opportunity for the ideal candidate with a passion for personal and professional growth to expand their practice to new heights as a practice team leader. We are looking for a candidate who is capable of independent handling of their caseload.

What differentiates Markham Law Firm is the premium we put on work-life balance. We believe that while we are here, we should work hard and with heart. If you do that right, and with the support of your team, there should be no reason to work long nights and weekends. Happy lawyers = Happy clients. 

Our continued success relies on our ability to provide a supportive and rewarding work life that is different from other firms. We care about your goals. Both short and long-term. Your dreams too. And we want to help you get there. Join Markham Law Firm to grow professionally and become part of a team that wants to help you succeed in your professional and personal goals.  We are a motivated team with integrity, compassion, and empathy, and we engage in and give back to the community.

Position Description:

The Trusts and Estates Attorney will work closely with Markham Law Firm team to grow this new practice area. Preferred candidates will have a track record of exemplary work in the field of Trusts and Estates and be active in local professional organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Draft estate planning documents (e.g., wills, trust agreements, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, deeds etc.).

  • Prepare probate filings (petitions for probate, inventories, accounts, inheritance tax returns and petitions for assorted relief).

  • Prepare various correspondence with clients, financial institutions, insurance companies, Register of Wills Offices, and government agencies.

  • Trust administration (i.e., prepare accountings, prepare, track, and pay trust expenses, track and pay trust distributions, facilitate the filing of trust tax returns).

  • Maintain client relationships by communicating (via email and telephone) often with clients and explaining complex legal concepts to them. Keep clients informed of the status of their case. at all times.

  • Organize online and paper files. Case status and task status are updated on Asana regularly.

  • Ability to work on and organize multiple matters at the same time.

  • Attend, lead and/or organize CLEs, bar association events, business development and networking functions with firm members and solo.

  • Prepare blog posts and assist in writing and researching articles.

  • Perform all other legal-related tasks as requested.

  • Train and supervise paralegals and law clerks on matters.

  • Participate and contribute actively to firm marketing and business development.

The candidate must:  

  • Possess a growth mindset personally and professionally.

  • Genuinely like working with people, with empathy and patience.

  • Demonstrate client relationship skills including the ability to lead in-person client meetings.

  • Embrace service-oriented problem solving, taking the initiative to act quickly and decisively when a client experiences a problem that requires a prompt solution.

  • Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills, including comfort and skill in speaking with clients and other professionals.

  • Possess the ability to understand that clients have different styles and needs and adapt accordingly.

  • Exercise sound judgment, high integrity, trustworthiness, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

  • Critical attention to detail, the ability to manage a large case load, strong math skills and an understanding of basic estate and tax concepts.

  • Create the best version of work and carefully check before submission to make certain work is correct and free of typos (i.e., dates, places, relief requests, etc.).

  • Not be afraid to ask questions or to collaborate on finding a solution for a problem.

  • Interest in advancing knowledge of relevant law through taking on new challenges and regularly attending CLEs.

  • Being willing to step outside comfort zone to take on new challenges.

  • Promote the firm within their network, personally, virtually, and on social media, to lay foundation for business development.

  • Must be good at working in a team environment and take constructive criticism.

Benefits:

  • Employer-provided medical, dental, and vision insurance (50% company paid for the employee only)

  • 401(k) plan with 3% safe harbor contributions

  • Paid vacation and sick time

  • Paid holidays

  • Opportunity for performance bonuses

  • Paid parking

  • Generous paid parental leave

Work Environment/Location:

  • Hybrid in office 2-3 days a week

  • Opportunity to office out of our Bethesda or Washington, DC (Glover Park) locations

Required Education and Work Experience:

  • JD from accredited law school

  • 8+ years of estate planning/trust administration

  • Active member in good standing with the Maryland and D.C. bar (or ability to waive in a plus)

Salary: $100,000 - $130,000 dependent upon billable hours and origination

All inquires held in strict confidence

Please send your resume, writing sample, 3 references and cover letter to Jennifer Campbell-Adams jcampbelladams@markhamlegal.com