Private Client Services Associate

Barnes & Thornburg LLP is seeking an associate attorney to join its Indianapolis office in the firm's Private Client Services practice. The associate will work on sophisticated estate planning, trust and estate administration, and transfer tax matters for high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, executives, and fiduciaries within a collaborative AmLaw 100 platform.

The Private Client Services Group handles complex estate planning, wealth preservation, wealth transfer, charitable planning, and related tax matters for high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and closely held businesses. The practice offers a collegial, team-oriented environment with meaningful mentorship, professional development, client contact, and opportunities to collaborate with attorneys across multiple offices.

Attorneys work closely with colleagues, clients, and their advisors to develop customized strategies that preserve wealth, accomplish family and business objectives, and address complex tax and succession issues. Matters may include probate, business succession planning, family governance, and related tax-driven planning; responsibility and client ownership will be tailored to the associate's experience level.

This position is open to licensed attorneys at all experience levels, from junior through senior associates. Current law students, including 3Ls, are not eligible for this role.

The position is based in our Indianapolis office, and in-person presence is preferred to support collaboration, mentorship, and exceptional client service. We are open to discussing alternative work arrangements for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on estate planning, wealth preservation, and wealth transfer strategies, with responsibility scaled to the associate's experience level
• Draft wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, and other estate planning documents
• Assist with trust and estate administration, including probate proceedings and filings, asset transfers, fiduciary communications, and account administration
• Prepare and review estate, gift, and fiduciary income tax filings; assist with audits and other tax-related matters; and stay current on relevant tax laws, estate planning strategies, and industry developments
• Conduct legal research and draft memoranda on tax, probate, trust administration, and other private wealth issues
• Participate in client meetings and develop tailored planning strategies, including business succession, family governance, and related tax considerations
• Collaborate with attorneys across corporate, real estate, and other practice areas, as well as the broader Private Client Services Group, to deliver coordinated, high-quality counsel

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials
• Strong work ethic, initiative, and commitment to delivering outstanding client service
• Relevant experience or demonstrated interest in estate planning, tax, private wealth, or related areas, including through internships, externships, coursework, or post-graduation work; experience is preferred but not required for junior candidates
• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals, families, fiduciaries, executives, or closely held business owners preferred
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and build strong relationships with colleagues and clients
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal and tax concepts clearly and effectively
• Strong drafting, analytical, and client counseling skills, along with excellent judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to produce high-quality work and meet deadlines
• Indiana bar admission, or eligibility to obtain admission promptly after hire

About the Firm:

Barnes & Thornburg LLP is an AmLaw 100 firm with 26 offices. The firm and our Private Client Services Group have an exceptional reputation for having an inclusive, collegial, and supportive atmosphere, where members of the firm can thrive, learn, and advance in their career.

We will not consider resumes submitted by external agencies or recruiters for this position. Recruiters and agencies will not be compensated for assisting Barnes & Thornburg LLP in recruiting for this position, regardless of whether such party has a recruiting contract with us.

Equal Employment and Opportunity Statement:

Barnes & Thornburg is committed to equal employment opportunity in both principle and as a matter of policy. We will recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and provide benefits to all applicants and employees without regard to ancestry, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, religious creed, mental and/or physical disability, medical condition, military and/or veteran's status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all recruiting, hiring, promotions, upgrades, layoffs, compensation, benefits, terminations and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The firm complies fully with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws.