Estate Planning and Probate Associate

Ogden Murphy Wallace, P.L.L.C. is seeking an associate attorney to join its thriving Trusts and Estates practice. Applicants must have demonstrated experience in estate planning and probate/trust administration, developed research and writing skills, superior academic credentials, and the ability to work closely with multiple attorneys and staff. This position is based in Bellevue but will frequently be expected to work in the Seattle office.

Desired experience/qualifications: The preferred candidate will have at least three years of applicable experience, hold an LL.M. in tax, and be licensed to practice in the State of Washington.

The position involves the following responsibilities:

  • Drafting and reviewing estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, power of attorney, and other legal instruments;
  • Handling probate administration, including preparing estate pleadings, identifying assets and liabilities, communications with and notices to heirs, creditors and state agencies;
  • Educating clients on estate planning;
  • Providing advice on the tax implications of different estate planning and lifetime gifting strategies;
  • Explaining how estate taxes work and how they can be minimized through careful planning;
  • Modeling the implications of various strategies under consideration from both a practical and financial perspective;
  • Preparing and reviewing federal gift tax, and federal and state estate tax returns;
  • Drafting stand-alone trusts, such as GRATs, SLATs, QPRTs, CLAT/CLUTs, generation skipping transfer tax exempt trusts;
  • Researching and analyzing complex issues; and
  • Communicating with prospective and existing clients in a professional and courteous manner.

Desired Skills:

  • Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills;
  • Detail-oriented;
  • Team-player with self-motivated mentality;
  • Strong communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills;
  • Display of ownership with job responsibilities; and
  • The ability to learn quickly.

Ogden Murphy Wallace is a multi-specialty firm primarily serving Pacific Northwest clients for over 100 years. OMW takes pride in providing exceptional legal services while, at the same time, offering its employees a professional, friendly, and inclusive community, as well as a fun work environment. OMW offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and profit-sharing plan, paid time off, ten paid holidays per year, paid family leave, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage. The base compensation range for this position is $140,000 to $170,000 a year. Other compensation includes an annual discretionary profit-sharing contribution, non-discretionary bonus opportunities and additional discretionary bonus consideration. We encourage professional development by providing programs, training, and opportunities to do interesting work.

Ogden Murphy Wallace is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, vendors and clients. OMW is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, disability status or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, compensation, benefits, social and recreational activities, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, interested and qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Shari Tipp, Human Resources Director, at stipp@omwlaw.com or 701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 5600, Seattle, WA 98104. We look forward to hearing from you!