Estate Planning & Wealth Transfer Partner

Gould & Ratner LLP is seeking an experienced Estate Planning & Wealth Transfer Partner to join its Tax and Wealth Transfer Practice Group. This attorney will have significant experience advising closely held businesses and high-net worth individuals and families in complex and sophisticated estate planning, wealth transfer, business succession planning, philanthropy and all related income tax matters.

Please note that this role allows a flexible work schedule with a hybrid remote/in-office presence.

• Portable book of business required.
• Significant experience advising high net-worth individuals, families and entrepreneurial businesses on tax efficient ownership structures.
• Experience planning for succession of management of family-owned businesses and familiarity with multi-generational wealth transfer techniques.
• Experience forming family entities to help with the management and control of family investments.
• Experience assisting an executor through the administration of an estate, including preparation of estate tax returns, post-mortem planning for the surviving family members, and probate administration.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. This attorney will serve as a business advisor to clients, guiding them through a full range of financial, business and tax-related matters throughout their life cycle. The ideal candidate will have the confidence and demeanor to interact and build relationships with the Firm’s current clients, as well as the drive and ability to develop additional client relationships and business.
• Exceptional leadership skills. This attorney must have the ability and desire to step into a leadership role and have the potential to develop into a key member of the Wealth Transfer Group and the Firm.
• A degree or background in accounting, business or finance is a plus. CPA, CFP and/or a LL.M. in taxation is strongly preferred.
• Candidates must be currently licensed in Illinois or licensed in another state with a UBE score that qualifies in Illinois for comity, be eligible to waive in, or be willing to sit for an upcoming IL bar exam (open to relocation candidates that meet these requirements).

• Comprehensive benefit package and competitive salary - more info can be found here https://www.gouldratner.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-Salary-Range-Chart.pdf

• O pportunity to step into meaningful client relationships and be a key component of the Firm’s succession plan.
• This is a leadership role. We are looking for an attorney who has the ability and desire to step into a leadership position within the Wealth Transfer Practice Group.
• Emphasis on professional and business development.
• Low turnover, collegial and collaborative environment.
• Healthcare (medical, vision, dental), life and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits and wellness programs (e.g., in-office gym and massages; 24/7 tele-medicine).
• Hybrid in-office/remote role.