We are seeking an accomplished Trusts and Estates Partner Attorney to join our Private Client Service Group. This leadership role is ideal for an experienced trust and estate attorney who is passionate about advising high-net-worth individuals and families on complex estate planning, wealth transfer, and tax strategies. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in practice growth, client relationship management, and the mentorship of junior attorneys, while contributing to the continued success and expansion of our firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise clients on sophisticated estate planning, wealth transfer, and tax minimization strategies
• Draft, review, and oversee the preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related documents
• Develop and implement comprehensive tax planning solutions for individuals, families, and closely held businesses
• Collaborate with clients’ financial advisors, accountants, and other professionals to deliver integrated solutions
• Lead and mentor associates and paralegals, fostering professional development and knowledge sharing
• Drive business development initiatives, including networking, client presentations, and participation in industry events
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal and state laws affecting trusts, estates, and tax planning
• Provide leadership within the practice group, contributing to strategic planning and firm initiatives

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Admission to the bar and in good standing in Illinois
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in trusts and estates law, with a demonstrated record of client service and practice development
• Exceptional drafting, analytical, and communication skills
• Proven ability to manage complex matters and multiple priorities
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities
• M. in Taxation or Estate Planning preferred
• Portable book of business is highly desirable but not required

Additional Desired Experience

• Wealth protection and asset preservation planning
• Charitable giving and philanthropic planning
• Post-mortem estate and trust administration
• Preparation and review of estate, gift, and fiduciary income tax returns
• Experience with family business succession planning
• Cross-border or international estate planning is a plus

Unique Opportunities

• A full book of business is not required; the successful candidate will have the opportunity to inherit and expand upon established planners’ books of business
• Access to a robust client base and support for business development
• Leadership opportunities within a forward-thinking, inclusive firm
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Flexible work arrangements and a commitment to work-life balance

We invite highly qualified attorneys who are eager to make a significant impact within a supportive and entrepreneurial environment to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Benefits

Firm contributes to voluntary medical, dental, and vision plans. Offers FSA, HSA, and commuter benefits. Firm-paid STD & LTD. Retirement savings plan. Unlimited PTO.

Croke Fairchild is WBE Certified and a member of the National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF).

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of CFDB not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This applies to all employment decisions.

About Us

Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres is a growing law firm headquartered in Chicago, with a team of over 100 attorneys and staff. Formed by partners who worked at preeminent international law firms, with a deep bench of sophisticated and experienced corporate lawyers and litigators, our team provides exceptional legal service while affording our clients the benefits of working with an agile and entrepreneurial-minded team of results-oriented, well-rounded professionals. We are driven by our core values: humility, respect, collaboration, partnership, and innovation.

We represent a diverse group of interesting clients, which include private equity firms, founders, startups, venture capital investors, family offices and public companies (among others), in sophisticated and complex legal matters and transactions.

Point of Difference Strategies is one of the largest lobbying and government affairs firms in Illinois. With offices in Chicago and Springfield, PoDS offers top-tier government affairs and lobbying services at the federal, state, and local levels. PoDS proudly serves a diverse client base, including local governments, trade organizations, Fortune 100 companies, and nonprofits.

Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres and Point of Difference Strategies partner in providing the best, most comprehensive legal and government affairs services to their clients.