About this opportunity
Laird Norton Wealth Management lists this Director, Estate Planning opportunity in san francisco, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Director, Estate PlanningLocation: San Francisco, CA (preferred) or Seattle, WAAvailability: Full-time position. Hybrid schedule, with a minimum of 2 days/week on-site at your local LNW office and up to 3 days/week remote. Ability to travel to other offices 4 to 6 times/yearExecutive Summary: We are seeking a full-time Director, Estate Planning, to join our team. The Director of Estate Planning provides expert estate planning guidance to client service teams, plays a thought leadership role in the wealth transfer space, represents the firm in business development and external relationship efforts, and plays a key role in advancing and strengthening the firm's overall Wealth Planning capabilities.Your Role and ResponsibilitiesLeadershipAbility to integrate a significant amount of detailed and complex information from the client's situation and the current estate and income tax environment into a planClient Service ResponsibilitiesWork with Wealth Management teams to help clients with estate-planning issuesReview client's current estate planning documents and prepare a flowchart or other summary documentation to communicate current plan in a clear and concise formatEngage in a discovery dialogue with clients to ensure their current plan is consistent with their intent, and if not, to recommend changesStrategize ways to achieve client's philanthropic and intergenerational wealth transfer goalsAssist clients, in partnership with their estate attorney, with the implementation of their estate planHelp LNW team assist surviving clients with their financial affairs after the death of a family member, in conjunction with the client's estate planning attorney, as appropriateCommunicate with Client Services colleagues and clients to address client questions in a timely mannerPrepare error-free client materialsDesire to make things understandable and seamless for the clientWork with clients' outside estate planning counsel and outside accountants on behalf of the clientStrive to make clients highly satisfied with your interactions and serviceBusiness Development ResponsibilitiesBuild and maintain deep relationships with outside estate planning practitioners to ensure we have a strong referral network for current and prospective clients who are seeking new legal counselCultivate relationships with estate planning attorneys and other centers of influenceMeet prospects to evaluate, discuss, and recommend basic and complex estate planning strategiesParticipate in prospective client meetings, as needed and appropriateEducation ResponsibilitiesEducate the firm's client-facing professionals on trust and estate planning concepts through internal updates and exposure to appropriate outside resourcesLead the Estate Planning efforts within the Wealth Planning committeeStay current on any changes in legislation, trends in the wealth transfer space, and disseminate updates to Client Services team, as appropriateUnderstand and utilize appropriate technology offerings within the wealth and estate planning spaceAssist in the preparation of white papers on Estate/Financial Planning topicsLead and/or participate in other firm-wide projects related to various wealth planning topicsProactively look for improvement opportunities and enhancements in such items as client materials (with regard to estate planning and wealth planning)Personal / Personnel-Related ResponsibilitiesProvide mentoring, support and training to various team members to aid in the development of their careerExecute individual development plan; continue to learn and grow, using new skills to drive LNW forwardThis is a high-level overview of the role's duties, which may increase and vary based on business needs.Experience and EducationJ.D. required and L.L.M. in Taxation an added plus7-12 years of relevant experienceA demonstrated knowledge of financial planning topics to include estate planning, income taxation, executive compensation, insurance and retirement planningWorking knowledge of income and transfer tax landscapeA strong understanding of the RIA businessSkills and AttributesHigh EQA strong work ethic and a team playerDesire and ability to work within a collaborative team environmentThe ability to complete/manage projects that include multiple tasksA self-starter with a desire to own projects and outcomesAbility to integrate detailed voluminous information into a direct, concise communication while accommodating the subtleties of income and estate tax planningWillingness and ability to balance additional support from technology, where appropriateCandidates must meet all relevant employment qualifications at time of hiring, including (1) passing the background and credit checks successfully, along with any pre-employment exams; (2) signing all employee agreements; and (3) having the ability to consistently and effectively perform the job's essential functions, duties, and responsibilities.Compensation and BenefitsWe provide a competitive salary commensurate with your experience and skills and offer a meaningful annual bonus based on company and individual performance. The anticipated salary range for this position is $240,000 to $270,000 in San Francisco and $228,000 to $257,000 in Seattle (i.e., reporting to SF or SEA as your home LNW office at least 2 days per week).The salary range applies to current posting and may change in the future. The posted salary range may vary for key factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related knowledge, experience, skill set, and geographic location. We offer excellent benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous time off (including a sabbatical program after 10 years); flexible spending plans for health care, transportation, and dependent care; 401(k) plan, educational reimbursements, and more. Detailed information can be found by clicking the "Download Benefits Summary" button on our Careers page.About UsFor more than five decades, Laird Norton Wetherby (LNW) has served the interests of exceptional families and individuals. As both an RIA and trust company, LNW offers a full spectrum of specialized wealth and legacy planning, investment management, and trust and estate services that advance the aspirations and long-term multigenerational financial ambitions of its clients. LNW has offices in Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, as well as an affiliate trust company in South Dakota, empowering clients across the U.S.LNW is majority owned by Laird Norton Company, one of the longest-sustained family enterprises in the United States, with co-ownership by LNW employees.Additional InformationOur firm aims to cultivate an inclusive environment and culture that fosters growth, collaboration and acceptance; where we celebrate the diverse voices and perspectives of our employees; and where employees feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves. Our diversity drives us forward and helps us build deeper relationships with our clients and our community.The firm is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants for employment, individuals providing services in the workplace pursuant to a contract, unpaid interns and volunteers based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, marital status, registered domestic partner status, military and veteran status, civil air patrol status, national origin, immigration status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, and including medical conditions related to lactation) or medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics).*As of August 2026#Li-Hybrid
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