Job Title:                     Senior Attorney – Estate Planning

Company:                   Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm

Location:                    Hybrid-Remote Position | Sioux City, IA area

Position Type:            Full-time

About Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm: Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm is a full-service law firm with offices in Sioux Falls, SD, and Sioux City, IA. We are committed to delivering responsive, high-quality legal services across a wide range of practice areas. Our culture is built on collaboration, trust, and professionalism, and every member of our team plays an essential role in supporting our clients and each other.

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced estate planning attorney to join our team in a senior-level role. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in estate planning, probate, and trust administration, including drafting wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents. This individual will independently manage a robust caseload, serve as a strategic advisor to clients, and contribute to the continued growth and development of the firm’s estate planning practice.

Applicants must be licensed in Iowa and able to obtain licensure in South Dakota and Nebraska. While candidates with an established client base are strongly encouraged to apply, a demonstrated ability and willingness to develop business and foster new client relationships is equally important. Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm attorneys are licensed across South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming and serve clients across the U.S. and internationally.

Responsibilities:

• Estate Planning Leadership:
• Lead the design and implementation of comprehensive estate plans, including drafting wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related documents tailored to meet clients’ personal, family, and business objectives.
• Probate & Trust Administration:
• Oversee probate and trust administration matters from start to finish, including court filings, asset management and distribution, accountings, and resolution of complex or contested issues.
• Client Counseling & Relationship Management:
• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, providing clear, practical counsel on estate planning strategies, probate processes, tax implications, and long-term planning considerations. Maintain strong, trust-based client relationships.
• Advanced Tax & Asset Strategies:
• Advise clients on estate and gift tax issues, charitable giving, business succession planning, asset protection strategies, and other advanced planning techniques.
• Practice and Business Development:
• Proactively contribute to the growth of the estate planning practice through networking, community involvement, referrals, thought leadership, and other business development activities. Assist in refining internal processes, templates, and workflows to support a scalable practice.
• Collaboration & Mentorship:
• Work collaboratively with other attorneys, paralegals, and support staff in a hybrid/remote work environment. Provide guidance and mentorship to junior attorneys and staff involved in estate planning and related matters.
• Professional Development & Legal Updates:
• Stay current on developments and changes in estate planning, probate, and tax law. Integrate new strategies, statutes, and case law into client work and share relevant updates with the team.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 5–7 years of substantive estate planning experience, including drafting complex wills and trusts, advising on tax-efficient strategies, and managing probate and trust administration matters.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a robust estate planning caseload from initial intake through final execution and administration.
• Exceptional drafting, analytical, and advisory skills, with the ability to translate complex legal and tax concepts into clear client guidance.
• Strong professional judgment, time management, and communication skills, including the ability to maintain trust-based client relationships.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to engage in business development and contribute to the growth of the firm’s estate planning practice.
• Active admission in Iowa; ability to obtain licensure in South Dakota and Nebraska.

Attitude, Energy, and Effort:

• Approach client matters and internal responsibilities with professionalism, sound judgment, and the steadiness expected of a senior practitioner.
• Bring pride, precision, and strategic thought to your work, recognizing the impact a senior litigator has on case outcomes, client trust, and the firm’s broader reputation.
• Maintain focused, reliable energy in fast-moving matters; anticipate next steps, identify risks early, and drive progress without the need for oversight.
• Demonstrate respect for colleagues and clients through clear communication, thoughtful coordination, and consistent, high-quality work product.
• Engage in feedback and continuous improvement with maturity and accountability, modeling a solutions-oriented approach for others on the team.
• Uphold confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism in all interactions, especially when navigating complex, sensitive, or high-stakes matters.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Unlimited PTO.

• 13 paid holidays.

• 100% firm-paid health insurance.

• 100% firm-paid vision insurance.

• Monthly technology stipend with firm-provided remote technology solutions.

• Bonus eligibility based on performance.

• Competitive 401(k) and profit sharing.

• Paid continuing education or skills-development opportunities.

• Collaborative and positive work environment.

How to Apply: If you are a motivated, detail-oriented, and client-focused professional with a commitment to excellence, we invite you to apply for the Senior Attorney position at Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to Miranda Basye at mirandab@halbachlawfirm.com.

Halbach|Szwarc Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.