Probate Lawyer Jobs in Estate Planning & Administration

Probate lawyer jobs are ideal for attorneys, associates, and in-house counsel who guide clients through estate administration, wills, trusts, and contested probate proceedings. These roles span private law firms, trust and estate boutiques, banks, wealth management companies, and in-house legal departments supporting fiduciary services and estate settlement. Candidates use their knowledge of probate court procedures, inheritance laws, guardianships, and tax-sensitive estate planning to resolve disputes and transfer assets efficiently, with opportunities surfaced and matched through LegalExperts.ai.

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Job Responsibilities

Advise executors, administrators, and personal representatives on probate procedures, fiduciary duties, and estate settlement timelines.
Draft, review, and file probate petitions, inventories, accountings, and related pleadings with probate and surrogate courts.
Interpret and enforce wills, trusts, codicils, and beneficiary designations, including resolving ambiguity and conflicts among estate documents.
Represent clients in contested probate matters, including will contests, breach of fiduciary duty claims, undue influence allegations, and heirship disputes.
Coordinate valuation, marshaling, and transfer of estate assets such as real property, business interests, investment portfolios, and digital assets.
Communicate with beneficiaries, creditors, taxing authorities, and court personnel to resolve claims, obtain approvals, and finalize distributions.
Collaborate with estate planning, tax, family law, and elder law colleagues on integrated strategies for high-net-worth and cross-border estates.

Minimum Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school with a focus or coursework in trusts and estates, tax, or elder law preferred.
Active license and good standing with at least one state bar; admission in the state of practice typically required for probate court appearances.
1–3 years of experience in probate, estate administration, or related trusts and estates work for entry-level roles; 5+ years for senior or lead counsel positions.
Working knowledge of probate statutes, intestacy laws, trust law principles, fiduciary obligations, and local court rules and procedures.
Demonstrated experience drafting or reviewing probate filings, settlement agreements, and basic estate planning documents such as wills and powers of attorney.
Strong legal research and writing skills, including the ability to prepare motions, memoranda, and supporting affidavits for contested probate proceedings.
High level of professionalism, empathy, and communication skills when working with grieving families and navigating sensitive inheritance disputes.

Preferred Skills

Experience with high-net-worth estates, closely held business interests, family limited partnerships, or charitable trusts.
Familiarity with estate, gift, and inheritance tax concepts, including coordination with CPAs or tax counsel on return filings and audits.
Background in contested probate litigation, mediation, or alternative dispute resolution involving fiduciary and beneficiary disputes.
Proficiency with probate and estate administration software, document management systems, and e-filing platforms used by local courts.
Comfort working with financial advisors, trust officers, and wealth managers in bank, fintech, or family office environments.

Frequently Ask Questions

Find answers to common questions about finding legal and investigative job opportunities through Legal Experts AI

What does a probate lawyer do day to day?

A probate lawyer guides executors, administrators, and beneficiaries through the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate. Day-to-day work includes preparing and filing probate petitions, inventories, and accountings; advising on fiduciary duties; handling creditor claims; and coordinating the distribution of assets. Many probate attorneys also negotiate settlements among heirs and represent clients in court when disputes arise over wills or trusts.

What career path can a probate lawyer expect?

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