Job Description
Estate Litigation Senior Associate
Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP is a full-service, rapidly growing and entrepreneurial law firm focused on an interdisciplinary approach to the practice of law. Our team is composed of thought leaders across a variety of practice areas, including some of the nation’s leading voices on web3, taxation and a variety of other fields. We bring together experts across all of our practice areas to achieve extraordinary results which would not be achievable at a more narrowly focused firm.
Respect, appreciation and quality of life come first and foremost. We care deeply about the people we bring into our firm and offer a unique emphasis on professional development. We work collaboratively to drive client success.
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Estate Litigation Associate to join our Trusts & Estates team. The ideal candidate brings substantial hands-on experience managing complex estate and trust litigation matters, a deep understanding of New York Surrogate’s Court procedures, and the ability to work directly with high-net-worth clients, fiduciaries, and beneficiaries.
This role is best suited for someone who thrives in a collaborative legal environment, demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, and can independently manage a sophisticated caseload from start to finish.
Qualifications:
- Required: At least five years of experience at a law firm performing work in both estate litigation and estate administration, including regular direct contact with clients and primary responsibility for complex matters.
- Required: Ability to handle routine aspects of Surrogate’s Court litigation independently and proactively, managing time effectively and efficiently to meet deadlines and address department workflow needs.
- Required: Strong working knowledge of the SCPA, EPTL, and other trusts and estates statutory framework.
- Required: Excellent writing skills, with experience performing motion practice.
- Required: Familiarity with all aspects of Microsoft Office, with a particular emphasis on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; mastery of Microsoft Office preferred.
- Strongly Preferred: Experience with matters of Tax and/or Elder Law.
- Strongly Preferred: Demonstrable history of project management or supervision and training of (less experienced) staff.
- Preferred: Experience with matters of Corporate or Real Estate law.
- Prior experience clerking at any Surrogate’s Court a major plus.
- Experience with Clio and/or NetDocuments a plus.
- Fluency in any language other than English a plus.
Perks:
- Robust benefits package, including life and disability insurance, 401(k) match, and contribution toward health insurance premiums.
- Flexible work hours and location (partial remote schedule available).
- Transparent communication across the department and the firm at large.
- Encouragement of continuing education (both presenting and attending), networking, and suggestions to improve firm operations.
- Mentorship about technical aspects of law practice and how to build a book of business.
Salary Range: $140- $180K
