Northern Trust

Senior Legal Counsel – Trust Counsel Group

Northern Trust$150K — $180K *
Legal & Accounting
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • J.D. degree from an accredited law school, licensed to practice in Florida.
  • Minimum of 10 years experience in a major law firm or in-house practice focusing on trust and estate matters.
  • In-depth knowledge of trust and estate law, including estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax rules.
  • Strong analytical skills for reviewing estate planning documents and agreements.
  • Excellent communication, drafting, and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to work independently on complex fiduciary matters and make decisive legal recommendations.
  • Proficiency in managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Review and analyze Will and trust agreements for fiduciary compliance.
  • Provide legal counsel on trust and fiduciary matters to Wealth Management partners.
  • Serve as a legal resource for trust, estate, and guardianship administration queries.
  • Evaluate legal risks for proposals to modify or terminate trusts.
  • Oversee trust and estate litigation processes in fiduciary capacity.
  • Advise committees on legal risk and compliance issues.
  • Attend conferences and present educational content to promote the bank.

Benefits

  • Hybrid working model offering flexibility between office and remote work.
  • Opportunity to engage in professional development through presentations and conferences.
  • Collaborative team environment with strong support from business partners.
  • Potential to influence legal strategies within a reputable financial institution.
  • Access to resources for continuous education in trust and estate law.
Full Job Description
The candidate will be an attorney with broad experience in all areas of trusts, estates guardianship and transfer taxes. This position is in the Trust Counsel Practice Group and will report directly to a manager and indirectly to Trust Counsel. This candidate will be responsible for: - Reviewing and analyzing Will and trust agreements when the bank is named to serve in a fiduciary capacity in order to protect the bank, comply with the law, and satisfy client expectations; - Reviewing and analyzing other legal documents such as post nuptial agreements, disclaimers, settlement agreements, consents, waivers, etc. and providing legal advice to internal partners regarding same; - Providing legal counsel to management and business partners in our Wealth Management business on a broad range of trust and fiduciary matters, including review of trust documents, estate settlement matters, trust real estate matters, homestead issues, trust and estate litigation and complex trust/fiduciary legal issues; - Serving as a resource and providing legal advice to internal partners in our Wealth Management business concerning on-going trust, estate and guardianship administration matters and questions that arise; - Analyzing proposals to modify or terminate trusts in order to assess the legal risk and working in conjunction with the Chief Fiduciary Officer and the partners on same; - Acting as legal advisor to various committees to advise on legal risk and compliance issues; - Overseeing and monitoring of trust and estate litigation when Northern is acting in a fiduciary capacity and working with the internal and external litigation teams on matters when the bank is sued in its corporate capacity; - Reviewing resignations, removals and signing off on distribution memos for account terminations; - Promoting the bank by attending and speaking at industry and client conferences; - Giving educational presentations to internal partners in Wealth Management; and - Participating in local and state Bar meetings. Skills Required: The candidate must have the following: - Excellent communication skills; - Very high level of trust and estate knowledge and broad experience in all areas of trust, estates, guardianships, and transfer taxes; - Ability to handle a wide range of trust and fiduciary matters independently; using high-quality legal analysis and practical judgment; - Ability to spot issues and risk to the bank and develop appropriate solutions; - Ability to make important decisions quickly and independently; - Ability to multi-task and handle many matters at the same time; - Ability to be responsive within short deadlines; - Ability to work closely as a team member both within the Legal group and with business partners. - Ability to develop good relationships and rapport with outside counsel; - Good drafting and negotiation skills; - Knowledge and experience of non-U.S. international trust and fiduciary matters, estate tax and other relevant experience is a plus. Experience Required: Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience working in a major law firm or in-house practice in the trust and estate area. Knowledge of trust and estate law as well as estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax rules, is required to advise on legal risks and compliance issues. Strong analytical skills are required to review of will, trust and other fiduciary documents and related agreements. Must possess a J.D. degree from an accredited law school and must meet attorney licensing requirements in the jurisdiction in which the position will be located, prior to and after commencing employment. The candidate must be admitted to practice law in Florida and be in good standing with the Florida Bar. Experience in advising on trust and fiduciary matters is essential. Working Model: Hybrid (#LI-Hybrid) We have a balanced hybrid working model to ensure you get the flexibility you need, and the successful candidate will spend their time between working in the office and working from home. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa)

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust is a global leader in delivering innovative investment management, asset and fund administration, and fiduciary and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. They have evolved with the changing needs of their clients and their world.

Northern Trust Careers

Joining Northern Trust means becoming part of a global financial services institution that is dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions to its clients. At Northern Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation, which makes us a premier destination for career growth in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Northern Trust, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the financial sector. Our team is committed to excellence and equipped with a diverse range of skills that contribute to our dynamic environment. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that transform our services and drive significant value for our clients across the globe.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you are starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in the financial industry, Northern Trust offers a variety of job opportunities and internships that will help you achieve your professional goals. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our company is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel.

Innovative Work

Northern Trust is at the forefront of financial innovation. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively and leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. By joining our team, you will work on pioneering solutions that redefine the standards of financial services.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Northern Trust is more than just a group of employees – we are a community. We value collaboration, and our culture is built on mutual respect and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Working with us, you will experience a supportive network that is passionate about sharing knowledge and ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

Northern Trust is dedicated to your professional development. We offer comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and numerous resources to help you grow your career. With our support, you can expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and achieve professional certifications that will enhance your career trajectory.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the perfect role for you at Northern Trust by exploring our current job openings that match your skills and interests. We are looking for professionals who are solution-driven and eager to contribute to our legacy of financial excellence.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and professional growth opportunities—all available through our careers blog. At Northern Trust, we ensure that our team members are always ahead in the industry.

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Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. At Northern Trust, exciting and rewarding opportunities are always on the horizon, and we are eager to see where your talents can take us. Join Northern Trust today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here, every position is a chance to contribute to something bigger and to turn your job into a meaningful career.
Learn more about Northern Trust
Size
21,100 employees
Market Cap
$18.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

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