Senior Staff Attorney - Private Clients
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is seeking a Senior Staff Attorney to join its Private Clients practice in New York City. This role involves supporting the firm's U.S. private clients lawyers in various aspects of estate administration, including estate and tax planning, trust and estate administration, and advising on family businesses and charitable giving. The firm, established in 1946, operates as a single, integrated global partnership with approximately 1,100 lawyers across 14 offices worldwide.
The Senior Staff Attorney will be responsible for preparing probate and administration proceeding papers, managing the collection and valuation of assets, and overseeing the payment of debts and bequests. Additional duties include preparing and filing federal and state estate tax returns, drafting informal estate and trust accountings, administering ongoing trusts, and reviewing Form 1041s prepared by external accountants. The role also involves preparing receipt and release agreements, fiduciary appointments, tax planning documents, and basic estate planning instruments such as wills and trusts. Effective communication with attorneys, paralegals, clients, and various government agencies is essential.
Candidates must possess a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and be admitted to the New York Bar, with additional admissions to the NJ, CT, and/or FL bars preferred but not required. A minimum of five years of experience in trusts and estates is required, including work on large estates with complex tax plans, preparation of federal and state estate tax returns, and probate documents. Knowledge of estate and trust income taxation is essential, while familiarity with fiduciary accounting is preferred. Proficiency with One Source Estate Tax Program (formerly FPS), NYSBA Surrogate’s Court program, and Excel is also desired. The role demands the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, effective client communication skills, discretion, and flexibility to work outside regular business hours as needed.
The estimated base salary range for this position is $150,000 to $160,000 annually. The actual salary offered will depend on various factors, including skills, education, experience, and performance. This role is exempt, meaning it is not eligible for overtime pay. Cleary Gottlieb offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health care benefits.