Trusts & Estates Associate

Sterlington PLLC is a full-service law firm focusing on complex corporate, litigation, executive compensation, and private wealth matters. As a firm, we focus on the economic as well as the legal aspects of our matters.

The Practice

Sterlington's Private Wealth group advises founders, executives, and multigenerational families managing significant wealth. The work is sophisticated, the clients are consequential, and the team is deliberately small.

As an Associate on this team, you will work directly with senior practitioners on real matters. The practice is built around developing excellent private wealth lawyers through meaningful, hands-on experience.

What You'll Do

• Draft wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and ancillary estate planning documents for high-net-worth and UHNW clients
• Support design and implementation of advanced planning structures: GRATs, SLATs, IDGTs, QPRTs, charitable trusts (CLTs/CRTs), and private foundations
• Assist with trust and estate administration; probate, fiduciary accounting, beneficiary communications, and post-mortem planning
• Conduct federal and state tax research on estate, gift, GST, and fiduciary income tax issues
• Support business succession planning matters, including entity structure analysis and buy-sell agreement review
• Coordinate with family offices, accountants, and investment advisors as part of multidisciplinary client teams

What We're Looking For

Foundation

• J.D. from a top-tier law school
• 2–6 years of trusts and estates experience at an AmLaw 100 firm or a recognized private wealth boutique
• Experience drafting complex estate plans and advising UHNW clients
• Strong understanding of the federal transfer tax system
• LL.M. in Taxation or Estate Planning is a differentiator

Technical & Tax Acuity

• Comfort with IRC §2010, §2642, §2031, and grantor trust rules
• Ability to identify Section 280G issues in succession contexts
• Ability to engage in advanced drafting discussions with senior practitioners

Client Presence

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage long-term client relationships with discretion and professionalism

A Note on Technology

Associates who use AI tools for research, document drafting, and tax analysis will find meaningful support. The practice is investing in technology-forward estate planning solutions.

Compensation

Compensation is competitive and structured around the quality and experience of the candidate. Full-time employees are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k). Sterlington uses E-Verify to confirm employees' work authorization.

Sterlington is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where unique perspectives are valued and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.