Probate Attorney

The Probate Attorney plays a critical role in delivering high-quality legal services in probate and estate administration. This position involves independently managing probate matters from initial client consultation through final distribution and closing, advising personal representatives and beneficiaries, preparing and filing court documents, and guiding families through the administration process. While this role allows for a high degree of autonomy, the attorney also collaborates with senior attorneys on more complex or contested matters and contributes to the overall legal strategy of the firm.

Responsibilities include advising clients regarding probate and estate administration; interpreting wills and other estate planning documents; preparing petitions, inventories, accountings, notices, and other court filings; ensuring compliance with Minnesota probate law and court requirements; and supporting families through the legal and practical steps following a death. The attorney also coordinates with financial, tax, and other professionals as needed to facilitate efficient estate administration.

This role may work remotely but needs to be licensed to work in Minnesota. Training and onboarding will take place at our Little Canada office.

Base salary includes our home office reimbursement of $6,000 (paid out as $250 per paycheck).

Candidates may also work out of any of our three offices: Little Canada, Wayzata, and Burnsville.

Compensation:

$90,000 - $96,000 yearly

Responsibilities:

Client Consultation & Probate Strategy

• Meet with personal representatives, beneficiaries, and families to assess probate and estate administration needs.
• Educate clients on the probate process, fiduciary responsibilities, court requirements, timelines, and available administration options.
• Develop and manage an appropriate probate strategy based on the estate, governing documents, family dynamics, assets, debts, and client goals.

Probate Administration & Court Filings

• Draft, review, and file probate and estate administration documents such as:

  • Petitions and applications for formal and informal probate
  • Notices, affidavits, and proposed court orders
  • Inventories, accountings, and closing documents
  • Deeds, assignments, and other documents necessary to transfer or distribute estate assets

• Ensure all filings and legal documents are accurate, timely, and compliant with applicable Minnesota laws, court rules, and procedural requirements.

Legal Research & Compliance

• Stay current with changes in Minnesota probate law, estate administration requirements, tax regulations, and court procedures.
• Research complex legal questions involving probate, fiduciary duties, creditor claims, estate taxation, beneficiary rights, and estate administration issues.

Client & Fiduciary Relationship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with personal representatives, beneficiaries, clients, and their families while guiding them through sensitive and often emotional circumstances.
• Coordinate with financial advisors, accountants, appraisers, real estate professionals, court personnel, and other professionals involved in estate administration.

Team Collaboration & Contribution

• Work closely with senior attorneys on complex, contested, or high-risk probate matters.
• Support firm initiatives such as internal training, process improvement, or community engagement events as appropriate.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Four-year university degree and Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school required.
• Active license to practice law in Minnesota.
• 4-7+ years of experience practicing law, with probate and/or estate administration experience strongly preferred.
• Experience independently managing client-facing legal matters; probate court experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong legal drafting, probate administration, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized; must be thorough while completing tasks.
• High-level of integrity.
• Investigative and curious nature.
• Strong problem-solving and conceptual thinking abilities.
• Ability to be autonomous and independently manage probate matters, court deadlines, and client relationships.
• Comfort discussing sensitive family, financial, and end-of-life matters.
• Adaptability and openness to variety in the workplace.

About Company

Safe Harbor Estate Law is a firm focused on Estate Planning and Elder Law.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance with 90% employer-paid coverage for employees and their families, 100% employer-paid life and disability insurance, a 401(k) with company contributions, paid time off and holidays, wellness and home office reimbursements, tuition assistance, flexible scheduling, and work-from-home flexibility. Employees also enjoy team-building events, monthly catered lunches, and a collaborative, supportive workplace culture.